Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice (High Protein)

This Thai basil chicken fried rice is one of those meals I keep coming back to. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and actually keeps you full. You get that classic takeout flavor you crave, but made lighter with lean protein and easy swaps. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or to throw together for a few days of meal prep without getting bored.

If you’ve ever ordered Thai takeout and thought, why does this taste so much better than anything I make at home… this is the recipe that changes that.

My Thai basil chicken fried rice (also known as Thai chicken fried rice or Thai basil fried rice) is fast, high-protein, and loaded with that bold, garlicky flavor you get from a good Thai spot.

And the best part? It’s a 20-minute, one-pan meal.

There’s nothing more comforting to me than a big bowl of fried rice. Especially a THAI BASIL fried rice. I honestly crave fried rice constantly, and the truth is, restaurant fried rice is not that nutritious. It’s typically PACKED with high calories and fat, but the heart wants what it wants, am I right?

My homemade Thai basil fried rice is made macro-friendly by adding in lean protein from chicken and eggs, and leans heavily on fresh ingredients like basil, garlic and marinated chicken to add flavor instead of butter and oil.

What Is Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice?

This recipe is a mix of two of my husband’s favorite Thai dishes. Thai basil chicken (pad krapow gai) which is a bold chicken stirfry with a generous amount of holy Thai basil and Thai-style fried rice (khao phat). It’s so utterly addicting and I love that it’s a one-pan dinner that leaves me with less dishes to wash.

Thai Basil Fried Rice vs Regular Fried Rice

They may look similar, but they’re not the same.

• Thai basil fried rice = bold, garlicky, almost peppery, herb-forward
• Regular fried rice = milder, soy sauce-heavy, no herbs

The biggest difference? The basil.

Thai basil adds a slightly peppery, almost licorice-like flavor that completely electrifies the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice

• Ready in 20 minutes
• High protein
• Tastes like takeout
• Easily customizable (spicy, mild, different proteins)

What Kind of Basil Should You Use?

If you can find holy Thai basil, use it. It has a slightly spicy, almost anise-like flavor that gives this dish its signature taste.

If you can’t find it, look for Thai basil. (And regular basil will totally work in a pinch,too.)

Pro Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

• Use day-old jasmine rice 
• Cook on high heat
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Add basil at the very end

How to Make Thai Chicken Fried Rice

Slice your chicken and marinate it with baking soda, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and 1 tsp of sugar. Then set it aside as you prep the rest of the ingredients. Mix together the sauce and chop your onion, garlic and scallions.

Next, softly scramble your eggs, remove from the pan and set aside.

Into the same pan, add your marinated chicken and cook until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the onion and garlic and stir fry for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

Next, add in the cold, day-old rice and fry as you break it up. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Then add in the scallions, cooked chicken and sauce mixture.

Cook, tossing constantly for 2 minutes.

Add in your softly-scrambled eggs and basil. Toss gently until eggs are mixed in and basil is wilted.

That’s it! So simple and delicious. If you loved this recipe, check out my Singapore fried rice or my copycat Panda Express mushroom chicken recipe. Enjoy!