Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

If you love bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals, Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is about to become your new favorite dish!

This popular Thai street food is bursting with the perfect mix of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. With tender chicken, fragrant garlic, spicy chilies, and fresh Thai basil, every bite is packed with deliciousness.

One of the best things about this dish is how fast and easy it is to make. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy at home. Plus, it pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice, making it a comforting and filling meal for any time of day.

I remember the first time I tried Pad Krapow Gai at a small Thai restaurant. The aroma of basil and chilies sizzling in the wok was enough to make my mouth water. When I took my first bite, I was hooked! Since then, I’ve loved making this dish at home—it’s simple, delicious, and always a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Big, Bold Flavors – A perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.
• Customizable – You can adjust the spice level or swap out the protein to suit your taste.
• Authentic & Delicious – Brings the flavors of Thailand straight to your kitchen.
• Perfect with Rice – Serve it over jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast/thighs)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

For Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Fried egg (optional, but highly recommended!)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:

• Wok or large skillet – A wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying, but a large skillet works too.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping garlic, chilies, onion, and chicken.
• Measuring spoons and cups – To get the right balance of flavors.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and tossing the ingredients.
• Small bowl – To mix the sauces before adding them to the pan.
• Rice cooker or pot – To prepare jasmine rice.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients – Mince the garlic, chop the chilies and onion, and measure out all sauces. If using whole chicken breast or thighs, finely chop them.
2. Heat the oil – In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the aromatics – Add the minced garlic and chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful, as the chili fumes can be strong!
4. Cook the chicken – Add the ground chicken (or chopped chicken) to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
5. Add the sauces – Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water or chicken broth. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the Thai basil – Turn off the heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until the basil wilts from the residual heat.
7. Serve immediately – Spoon the stir-fried chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. For an extra treat, top with a crispy fried egg. Enjoy!

More Recipes >>>>>>> Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Thai Basil for Authentic Flavor – Regular basil can work in a pinch, but Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that makes this dish truly special.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Thai bird’s eye chilies are very spicy! Use fewer chilies for a milder dish, or swap them for milder red chili peppers.
• Don’t Overcook the Basil – Add the basil at the end and let the heat wilt it gently. Overcooking can make it lose its fresh, aromatic taste.
• Get the Right Texture – If using whole chicken, chop it into very small pieces instead of using ground chicken for a more traditional texture.
• Pair It with a Fried Egg – The crispy edges and runny yolk of a fried egg make this dish even more delicious!

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal in no time!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Pad Krapow Gai is how versatile it is! If you don’t have some ingredients on hand or want to switch things up, here are some great alternatives:

Substitutions:

• Thai Basil → Regular Basil or Holy Basil – If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work, but it won’t have the same slightly spicy, anise-like flavor. Holy basil is even closer to the original taste if available.
• Chicken → Ground Turkey, Pork, or Beef – While chicken is traditional, ground pork or turkey also work well. If using beef, go for leaner cuts to avoid excess grease.
• Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies → Red Pepper Flakes or Milder Chilies – For less heat, use fewer chilies or swap them for red pepper flakes or even mild bell peppers.
• Fish Sauce → Extra Soy Sauce – Fish sauce adds a deep umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use extra soy sauce with a dash of lime juice for some extra tang.
• Oyster Sauce → Hoisin Sauce or More Soy Sauce – Hoisin adds sweetness, but if unavailable, just use extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.

Variations:

• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan – Swap the chicken for tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Add Veggies – Stir in sliced bell peppers, green beans, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Eggplant Version – Instead of chicken, try stir-frying small chunks of eggplant for a delicious, meat-free alternative.
• Make It a Noodle Dish – Skip the rice and serve the stir-fried chicken over rice noodles for a different twist!

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg on top. The runny yolk adds richness and makes the dish even better!
• With a Side Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a light dressing (like vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt) balances the spicy flavors.
• In a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, serve the Thai basil chicken in crisp lettuce cups instead of over rice.
• With a Thai-Inspired Drink: Pair it with Thai iced tea or a refreshing coconut drink to balance the heat.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing:

• Let the dish cool completely before storing.
• Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• On the Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan, then stir-fry the chicken over medium heat until warmed through.
• In the Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.
• For Best Results: If the dish looks dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.

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FAQ

Q: Can I make Pad Krapow Gai without Thai basil?
A: Yes! You can use regular basil or even holy basil if available. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It can be! Thai bird’s eye chilies are very hot, so adjust the number of chilies to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use fewer chilies or swap them for milder peppers.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: While fresh chicken works best, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Just stir it into the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Q: What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
A: Jasmine rice is the best option because it’s light and fragrant, but you can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Q: Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

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Now that you know everything about Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai), it’s time to try it for yourself! Whether you make it spicy, mild, with chicken, tofu, or even as a noodle dish, this quick and flavorful recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!