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Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice
Hawker • Singapore
About Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice is a popular pick at many mixed rice stalls and Thai stalls in Singapore, especially for lunch crowds craving a punchy, savoury meal. The dish features bite-sized chicken pieces stir-fried with fresh basil leaves, garlic, chilli, and a savoury sauce, served atop a mound of steamed white rice. You’ll often spot it on menus as 'Thai Basil Chicken Rice' or simply 'Basil Chicken Rice,' with the vibrant aroma drawing customers during peak hours. The basil adds a herbal freshness that balances out the spicy and umami flavours, while the rice soaks up the gravy for a satisfying meal. At 540 kcal per 100g, this dish is on the heavier side, mostly due to generous oil usage in wok-frying and the rice base. A typical hawker portion can easily exceed 400g, so those watching their calorie intake may want to ask for less rice or request a smaller serving. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, opt for more vegetables on the side or ask for chicken breast instead of thigh meat, though most stalls default to thigh for tenderness. While the basil and chilli bring a welcome burst of flavour, this isn’t the healthiest hawker option if you’re counting calories, so portion control is key.
How to Make Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice, known locally as 'Pad Kra Pao', is a vibrant dish that has found its home in the heart of Singapore's bustling hawker centres and kopitiam culture. While originally rooted in Thai cuisine, this flavourful stir-fry has been embraced and adapted by Singaporean chefs and home cooks, reflecting the nation's passion for culinary fusion and multicultural flavours. The dish features aromatic basil, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savoury sauce and served over fluffy white or brown rice. In Singapore, it's common to see this dish offered at mixed rice stalls or cooked to order by local hawkers, highlighting the city's love for bold, aromatic, and satisfying meals. With its lively combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and earthy notes, Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice has become a lunchtime favourite for office workers, students, and families alike, offering a quick, healthy, and deeply comforting choice during the midday rush. This recipe stays true to its Singaporean roots, using locally available ingredients and healthier cooking methods, making it perfect for anyone seeking delicious, authentic, and nutritious Singaporean cuisine.
Ingredients(for 1 rice bowl (approx. 350g) with stir-fried chicken basil)
- 200g Skinless chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup Brown rice (cooked)
- 1 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves (daun selasih)
- 1/2 piece Red bell pepper (sliced)
- 50g Long beans (cut into 2cm pieces)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Red chili (sliced, optional for less heat) - optional
- 1 tablespoon Light soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce for vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon Canola oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon White pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook brown rice according to packet instructions. Fluff and set aside.
15 minutes
Use a rice cooker for perfect, fluffy rice every time.
- 2
Heat canola oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chili, stir-frying until aromatic.
2 minutes
Keep heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
- 3
Add diced chicken breast and stir-fry until the pieces turn white and are almost cooked through.
3 minutes
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 4
Toss in red bell pepper and long beans. Stir-fry until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
3 minutes
Do not overcook vegetables to retain nutrients and crunch.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice is a healthy choice because it's low in saturated fat and rich in lean protein and vegetables. Using minimal oil and brown rice helps reduce calorie density and increase fibre. The recipe is balanced, providing complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for those mindful of their nutrition or tracking calories on IndianCalorie. It satisfies cravings for local hawker food without compromising your health goals.
This dish is naturally high in lean protein from chicken breast, making it excellent for muscle repair and satiety. The use of brown rice increases dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and stable energy levels. Basil provides antioxidants and essential vitamins such as vitamin K and A. The inclusion of colourful vegetables like bell pepper and long beans boosts the vitamin C content and adds minerals like potassium and magnesium, enhancing immunity and overall well-being.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh Thai basil for the most authentic aroma and taste.
- 💡Tip 2: Stir-fry ingredients quickly over high heat to retain crunch and colour.
- 💡Tip 3: Prep all ingredients before cooking for a smooth, fast cooking process.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the dish moist.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 540.0 kcal |
Cultural Notes
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice is a staple lunch option at hawker centres, especially among office workers and students looking for a flavourful, filling meal. Its Thai roots are well embraced in Singapore, making it a familiar sight at both mixed rice and dedicated Thai stalls.
