Ready for a quick, savory, and spicy dinner?
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is your new go-to weeknight meal.
With a handful of pantry staples and just 20 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s full of vibrant flavors—tender ground chicken, aromatic basil, and a punch of heat.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the umami goodness you crave.
Plus, this is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a Thai restaurant—what’s not to love?
For Thai Basil Chicken
- Ground Chicken – I recommend using ground chicken for a quick, easy, and juicy texture. You can also use ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Garlic – A key ingredient that brings depth and flavor to the dish. Freshly chopped or pressed is best.
- Green Chilies – These add a mild to medium heat depending on your taste. You can use more or less based on your spice preference.
- Red Chili – This adds an extra burst of color and a hint of heat to balance the flavors.
- Thai Basil – The star of the dish! Thai basil has a distinct peppery, slightly sweet flavor that is essential to this dish. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil can be a substitute.
- Onion/Shallots – These add a mild sweetness to complement the spiciness of the chilies.
- Avocado Oil – Used for sautéing the aromatics and chicken. It’s a good option for high heat cooking due to its neutral flavor.
For Thai Basil Sauce
- Light Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and depth of flavor. Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Dark Soy Sauce – Adds rich color and extra umami flavor. Opt for low-sodium if possible.
- Maple Syrup (or Honey) – Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness from the soy sauces.
- Garlic Chili Sauce (or Sriracha) – Adds heat and a touch of garlic. You can adjust this based on how spicy you like your food.
- Oyster Sauce – Gives a savory depth and a slight sweetness.
- Fish Sauce – Adds a unique umami and salty flavor that is essential for authentic Thai taste.
For Serving
- Rice – Serve this over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Green Onions – A fresh garnish to add a slight crunch and freshness.
- Sesame Seeds – For garnish, adding a bit of crunch and flavor.
- Prawn Crackers – Optional, but they add a wonderful crispy texture.
- Fried Eggs – Top your dish with a fried egg for extra richness and flavor.
Quick Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow)
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- ½ cup diced brown onion or roughly chopped shallots
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- ½ cup Thai basil (or regular basil)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium mild green chili, chopped
- Avocado oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (low-sodium if possible, gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or 2 teaspoons liquid honey)
- 1 tsp garlic chili sauce or sriracha (or any other hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
For Serving:
- 1 cup uncooked rice (to serve)
- 2-3 stalks of green onions (for garnish)
- Extra basil leaves (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Prawn crackers (optional)
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the garlic and both types of chilies.
- Sauté the Base: Heat a drizzle of avocado oil in a wok or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions (or shallots) and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Then, add the garlic and chilies, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook until it turns from pink to golden brown, ensuring it stays juicy. Avoid overcooking.
- Add the Sauce and Basil: Stir in the sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce (or sriracha), oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Add the chopped red chili and basil. Stir until the basil wilts, maintaining its vibrant color. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water for more liquid.
- Serve: Serve the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions, more basil, sesame seeds, and a fried egg on top. Add prawn crackers for a crunchy, savory touch.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet with a little broth or water if it becomes too dry.
- Hot Sauce Options: For the hot sauce, you can substitute with other options like Valentina or Frank's Red Hot.
- Nutrition: This recipe has an estimated 245 kcal per serving without rice or egg.
- Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yep, you can! While Thai basil has that distinct peppery flavor, regular basil still brings a nice, aromatic punch. It’s not quite the same, but it’ll still taste great. - How can I adjust the spice level to suit my taste?
Spice level, totally customizable! If you like it mild, remove the seeds from your chilies or use fewer. Want more heat? Throw in a few extra chilies and turn up the heat! - Is fish sauce absolutely necessary for the dish?
Fish sauce gives the dish that classic umami kick, but if you don’t have any, don’t sweat it. You can substitute with a bit more soy sauce or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory vibe. - Can I add more veggies to the stir-fry?
Of course! Go wild with your veggies. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for added crunch. Just toss them in with the chicken and cook until they’re tender and vibrant. - How do I avoid overcooking the chicken and making it dry?
Great question! To keep your chicken juicy, just cook it until it’s no longer pink. You don’t want to overdo it. Ground chicken thighs work even better if you want extra tenderness!