Basil Fried Rice with Chicken

Thai Basil Fried Rice with Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner made with jasmine rice, tender chicken thighs, scrambled eggs, garlic, chili peppers, and lots of fresh Thai basil. Everything is stir-fried together with fish sauce and oyster sauce for a savory, slightly spicy fried rice that's ready in about 25 minutes.

Jump to:

• What Is Thai Basil Fried Rice?
• What Is Thai Basil Fried Rice?
• What Does Thai Basil Fried Rice Taste Like?
• What type of Basil to use
• Can You Regrow Thai Basil?
• When to add basil to fried rice
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Why Is Leftover Rice Better for Fried Rice?
• How to make Basil Fried Rice with Chicken (Step by Step)
• Tips for the Best Basil Fried Rice
• Variations
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Thai Basil Fried Rice with Chicken Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Fried Rice Recipes

This is also a great recipe for using up leftover rice! In fact, cold leftover rice works even better than freshly cooked rice because the grains are drier and separate more easily when stir-fried.

One of the most important things I learned from my mom when making dishes with fresh basil is not to cook the basil for too long. I add it during about the last 20 seconds of cooking - just enough time for it to wilt and release its aroma without completely cooking away that fresh basil flavor.

What Is Thai Basil Fried Rice?

Thai basil fried rice is a savory fried rice made with cooked rice, fresh basil, garlic, chili peppers, and a flavorful sauce.

For this version, I add marinated chicken thighs and scrambled eggs to make it a complete meal. The chicken is marinated with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sugar before being stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and onions.

Then everything gets tossed with cold jasmine rice before a big handful of Thai basil goes in right at the end.

The result is savory, fragrant, a little spicy, and packed with basil flavor!

By the way, if you love fried rice recipes, check out this round up of 20+ delicious fried rice recipes from around the world! There's kimchi fried rice, Thai fried rice, Chinese fried rice and more!

What Is Thai Basil Fried Rice?

Thai basil fried rice is a savory fried rice made with cooked rice, fresh basil, garlic, chili peppers, and a flavorful sauce.

For this version, I add marinated chicken thighs and scrambled eggs to make it a complete meal. The chicken is marinated with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sugar before being stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and onions.

Then everything gets tossed with cold jasmine rice before a big handful of Thai basil goes in right at the end.

The result is savory, fragrant, a little spicy, and packed with basil flavor!

What Does Thai Basil Fried Rice Taste Like?

Thai basil gives this fried rice a slightly sweet, peppery, almost anise-like aroma that is very different from regular Italian basil.

Combined with the savory oyster sauce and fish sauce, plus fresh garlic and chili peppers, you get a fried rice that is salty, savory, aromatic, and as spicy as you want it to be.

I like serving mine with sliced cucumber on the side because the cool, crisp cucumber is a nice contrast to the warm fried rice.

What type of Basil to use

I recommend Thai basil for this recipe.

Thai basil usually has narrow green leaves, purple stems, and a slightly sweet, peppery, anise-like flavor. You can often find it at Asian grocery stores, and it's also commonly served alongside Vietnamese pho.

Thai basil is different from holy basil and Italian sweet basil, so they won't taste exactly the same.

If you can't find Thai basil, regular Italian basil can still work in a pinch. The fried rice will have a milder and slightly different basil flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Tina's Tip: Add the Basil Last!

My mom taught me to add fresh basil during approximately the last 20 seconds of cooking.

You don't need to stir-fry it for several minutes. Toss it in, stir everything together until the leaves just begin to wilt, and then remove the pan from the heat.

This keeps the basil much more fragrant.

Can You Regrow Thai Basil?

Yes! I actually do this with leftover Thai basil that I get with pho.

If I have stems left over, I save them and regrow them instead of throwing them away. Once you have a healthy basil plant going, you can keep harvesting fresh leaves for stir-fries, fried rice, soups, and other dishes.

It's one of my favorite herbs to have growing at home because I use it so often in Asian cooking.

When to add basil to fried rice

This is a great question because you actually don't want to cook the basil for too long! According to my mom, you want to add it in the last 20 seconds before removing the dish from heat.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make this chicken basil fried rice:

Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender when stir-fried. Cut them into small bite-size pieces so they cook quickly.

Fish sauce: Adds salty, savory umami flavor to both the chicken marinade and the fried rice.

Oyster sauce: Adds a slightly sweet, rich savory flavor.

Sugar: Just a small amount goes into the chicken marinade to balance the salty sauces.

Garlic: I use plenty of roughly chopped fresh garlic.

Chili peppers: These are optional, so you can make the fried rice as mild or spicy as you like.

Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the fried rice.

Eggs: Scrambled right in the wok or skillet.

Leftover jasmine rice: Cold leftover rice is ideal because it is drier than freshly cooked rice and is less likely to become mushy.

Thai basil: Add a generous amount right at the end.

Green onions and cucumber: Optional, but both are great for serving.

Why Is Leftover Rice Better for Fried Rice?

Cold leftover rice is one of the secrets to good fried rice.

Freshly cooked rice contains a lot of moisture and can easily clump together or turn soft and mushy when you add it to a hot wok.

Rice that has been chilled is firmer and drier, which makes it much easier to separate the grains while stir-frying.

If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out in a thin layer on a tray or large plate and refrigerate it until it has cooled and dried out before using it.

How to make Basil Fried Rice with Chicken (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ tablespoon fish sauce
• ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Fried Rice

• 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 5 chili peppers, chopped, or to taste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided as needed
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups cold leftover cooked jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 bunch Thai basil, leaves separated from thick stems
• Salt, to taste, if needed
• 1 green onion, chopped (optional)
• Sliced cucumber, for serving (optional)

1. Marinate the chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-size pieces.

Mix the chicken with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Stir-fry the aromatics

Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat.

Add the chopped garlic and chili peppers and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.

Add the onion and continue cooking until it begins to soften and turn translucent.

3. Cook the chicken

Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the pieces are lightly browned and cooked through.

Move the chicken and vegetables to one side of the skillet.

4. Scramble the eggs

If the pan is dry, add a little more cooking oil.

Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet and scramble until they are mostly set.

Then mix the eggs together with the chicken and vegetables.

5. Add the rice

Add the cold leftover jasmine rice, breaking up any large clumps as you add it.

Pour in the fish sauce and oyster sauce.

Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is hot and evenly coated with the sauce.

Taste and add salt only if needed - both fish sauce and oyster sauce are already salty.

6. Add the Thai basil

Add the Thai basil and toss everything together for about 20 seconds, just until the leaves begin to wilt.

Sprinkle with green onions if using and remove the fried rice from the heat.

Serve immediately with sliced cucumber, if you'd like!

Tips for the Best Basil Fried Rice

Use cold rice

Cold rice separates much more easily in the pan. If your rice is clumped together, gently break it apart before adding it to the wok.

Have everything ready before you start

Like most stir-fries, this recipe cooks quickly once the pan gets hot. Chop your garlic, chilies, onion, chicken, and basil before you begin cooking.

Don't overcook the basil

This is probably my biggest tip for this recipe! The basil only needs a few seconds in the hot fried rice.

Adjust the spice level

Five chili peppers can make this pretty spicy depending on the type you use.

Use fewer peppers for a milder fried rice, leave them out completely, or add more if you like things extra spicy.

Don't automatically add extra salt

Fish sauce and oyster sauce are already salty, and the exact saltiness varies by brand. Taste the finished fried rice before adding additional salt.

Variations

One of the best things about fried rice is how easy it is to customize.

Instead of chicken, you can make this with:

• Shrimp
• Pork
• Beef
• Tofu

You can also add vegetables you already have in the refrigerator, such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, mushrooms, or chopped greens.

Just make sure any raw meat or seafood is completely cooked before serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Since this dish is made with day-old rice, you should only keep the cooked fried rice for about 2-3 more days (not a full 3-4, because the rice has already aged a bit). Store in an airtight container.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze immediately after cooling. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat:
  • Stovetop (best): Heat a little oil in a pan/wok, then stir-fry until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if dry.
  • Microwave (quick): Cover with a damp paper towel and reheat in 30-60 sec bursts, stirring in between.

👉 Tip: Always start with rice that's no more than 1-2 days old when making fried rice. Then, if you store leftovers, count those days on top of the rice's original age.

FAQ

Why does this recipe call for leftover rice?
Fried rice always works best with day-old rice because it's firmer and less sticky. Fresh rice is too moist and can clump or turn soggy when stir-fried.

Can I use freshly cooked rice if that's all I have?
Yes, but spread it out on a tray, let it cool, and dry it out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I swap the protein?
Definitely. Shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu all work - just adjust the cooking time to make sure they're fully cooked.

Do I need Thai basil?
Thai basil has a peppery-sweet flavor that makes this dish authentic. Italian basil can be used in a pinch, but the taste will be milder.

How spicy is it?
It's as spicy as you make it! Add more or fewer chili peppers depending on your heat preference.

Pin for later!

More Delicious Fried Rice Recipes

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• Turkey Fried Rice - Perfect for post-holiday leftovers! This version uses cooked turkey with eggs, veggies, and a savory sauce.
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• Steak Fried Rice - Tender pan-seared steak stir-fried with vegetables, garlic, eggs, and rice in a rich, savory sauce.