No Onions, No Bell Peppers! Just a Simple and Addictive Thai Basil Chicken (Gapao Rice)
This version of Thai basil chicken skips the onions, bell peppers, and other extras—just garlic, chili, and fragrant basil to highlight the real flavor! It’s spicy (but adjustable), aromatic, and super easy to make in one pan. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch, especially on a busy day.
Ingredients
| Cooked white rice | 1 bowl |
| Ground chicken | 170g / 6oz |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Basil | 6 leaves |
| Red chili | 1(use less or skip if you prefer it mild) |
| Brown sugar (white sugar is fine too) | 1/2 tsp |
| Fish sauce | 1/2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce (I used Kikkoman, but any brand works) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp for chicken + 1 tsp for egg |
| Black pepper | to taste |
How to Make
1⃣ Prep
Slice the chili and mince the garlic. Wash the basil and remove the leaves from the stems. (You’ll use the leaves only.)
2⃣ Sauté garlic and chicken
In a frying pan, add all the garlic and chili with a bit of oil. Stir-fry until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant.
Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.
3⃣ Add the seasonings
Add 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1/2 tbsp soy sauce. Mix everything well.
4⃣ Add the basil
Toss in the basil leaves and stir just until slightly wilted. Remove from heat and plate.
5⃣ Fry the egg and plate
Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel, then add 1 tsp sesame oil and fry an egg to your liking. (I love mine with a soft, runny yolk!)
Serve the egg, stir-fried chicken, and rice all on one plate. Sprinkle with black pepper if you like.
- You can substitute ground pork instead of chicken—it’s also delicious.
- Garlic paste or pre-minced garlic works in a pinch.
- In the photo, I used garlic fried rice, but plain white rice works great too.
- For a fresh touch, serve with sliced cucumber or tomato on the side.
😋 If this looks tasty, feel free to share it on Twitter/X! And don’t forget to tag me if you try it—I’d love to see your version!
