This Thai Basil Chicken (also known as Pad Kra Pao Gai) is a beloved street food classic that captures the essence of Thailand in every bite. Juicy ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and sweet-spicy sauce, then finished with aromatic basil — it’s quick, flavorful, and downright addictive.
The best part? It takes less than 20 minutes to make and pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or a fried egg for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Ready in 20 minutes — perfect for weeknights
- Bursting with bold, authentic Thai flavor
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Customizable spice level to suit your taste
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken (or thinly sliced chicken breast)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup Thai basil leaves (holy basil or sweet basil)
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Optional: fried egg for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped chilies, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Cook the chicken
Add the ground chicken and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
4. Add the sauce
Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Add the basil
Turn off the heat and toss in Thai basil leaves. Stir until wilted and fragrant.
6. Serve
Spoon over jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes — sweet basil works if Thai basil isn’t available, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I make it less spicy?
Use fewer chilies or swap for milder peppers like jalapeños.
What’s the best protein substitute?
You can use ground pork, beef, or tofu for variation.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Basil Chicken: Double the garlic for a punchier flavor.
Sweet Basil Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers or onions for a more balanced, sweet-savory taste.
Spicy Pad Kra Pao: Use bird’s eye chilies and a splash of extra fish sauce for authentic heat.
Nutrition Summary
A bold, flavorful Thai dish that’s high in protein, low in carbs, and ready faster than takeout.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 290 | 29g | 7g | 16g | 1g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
