Thai Basil Chicken

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Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a stir-fry dish that packs bold flavor and a spicy, herby kick in every bite. This popular street food staple from Thailand is loved for its fast cook time, savory-sweet sauce, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh Thai basil. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ground chicken into something crave-worthy in just minutes.

Served over jasmine rice and often topped with a crispy-edged fried egg, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress with a fast homemade takeout-style meal. The best part? It requires just one skillet and a few pantry staples, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken has that perfect combination of salty, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, all clinging to juicy chicken crumbles and fragrant basil leaves. It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners. Plus, the level of spice is totally adjustable, so you can tailor it to your taste.

The bold umami from the oyster and soy sauces, the bite from chilies and garlic, and the peppery brightness of Thai basil leaves blend together in perfect harmony. This recipe offers a wonderful way to explore Thai flavors without needing exotic tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

What Kind of Basil Should I Use for Thai Basil Chicken?

Traditional Thai Basil Chicken uses holy basil or Thai basil, which has a slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor. If you can’t find Thai basil in your local grocery store, Italian basil can work in a pinch. It won’t taste quite the same, but it will still be delicious.

Look for Thai basil at Asian supermarkets or farmers markets during warm months. The purplish stems and pointed leaves are good indicators. Don’t skip the basil altogether—it’s the key to getting that signature aroma and flavor that sets this dish apart from any other chicken stir-fry.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

To create this bold and savory Thai Basil Chicken, you only need a handful of essential ingredients. Each one brings its own punch of flavor, contributing to that classic Thai street food taste we all crave.

• Ground chicken – It’s lean, absorbs flavor beautifully, and cooks quickly, perfect for stir-frying.
• Thai basil leaves – The soul of the dish. Their peppery, slightly sweet flavor infuses the chicken with authentic taste.
• Garlic cloves – Adds warmth and depth; essential in any good stir-fry.
• Fresh Thai chilies – Brings the heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Soy sauce – Lends salty umami and rounds out the sauce.
• Oyster sauce – Adds savory sweetness and rich body to the dish.
• Fish sauce – Delivers a burst of umami and signature Southeast Asian flair.
• Sugar – Balances out the salt and spice with just a hint of sweetness.
• Neutral oil – For frying without altering flavor, like canola or vegetable oil.
• Cooked jasmine rice – The perfect bed to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

Mince the garlic and chop the Thai chilies finely. This combo will form the flavorful base of your stir-fry.

Step 2: Sauté and Sizzle

Heat the neutral oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Basil

Toss in the Thai basil leaves and stir until just wilted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn off the heat immediately to preserve the herb’s brightness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Thai basil chicken over hot jasmine rice. For the full Thai street-style experience, top with a crispy fried egg and serve immediately.

How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is best served piping hot over fluffy jasmine rice. The warmth of the rice enhances the bold, savory sauce and gives every bite a comforting base. A crispy fried egg on top is optional but highly recommended—the runny yolk blends with the sauce and makes each bite extra luscious.

This recipe feeds about 4 people generously. It’s excellent for quick weeknight meals and meal prepping alike. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

You can even freeze Thai Basil Chicken (without rice or egg) for up to 2 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. The basil flavor will mellow slightly but still holds up well.

What to Serve With Thai Basil Chicken?

Jasmine or Brown Rice

Fragrant jasmine rice is the go-to, but brown rice offers a hearty, nutty contrast if you’re looking for more fiber.

Fried Egg

A crispy-edged, runny-yolked egg takes this meal to another level of delicious.

Thai Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and tangy—the perfect contrast to the warm and spicy chicken.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Add some color and crunch with stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Serve these on the side for a light, refreshing appetizer or snack.

Mango Sticky Rice

A sweet ending to your meal with tropical flair.

Thai Iced Tea

Cool down the heat with a creamy, sweet Thai iced tea.

Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

A light, fragrant soup makes a lovely starter and complements the basil chicken beautifully.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved making Thai Basil Chicken and want more exciting ways to enjoy your favorite protein, check out these comforting and flavor-packed dinners:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is a hearty and creamy option for a family-friendly meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce adds a fun Italian twist with tender tortellini.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta brings a cheesy richness you won’t be able to resist.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a smoky, comforting one-pan wonder.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is an easy baked dish that’s full of saucy, cheesy goodness.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Thai basil or swap in Italian? Go spicy or mild?

I love hearing your twists and tips—it’s how we all grow in the kitchen together. Feel free to ask questions too, I’m always happy to help!

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