This recipe is quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
It delivers bold Thai-inspired flavors with minimal ingredients.
The combination of garlic, chilies, and basil creates an irresistible aroma.
You can easily customize the spice level to your preference.
It makes a perfect weeknight dinner served with rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground chicken
Garlic
Fresh Thai chilies or red chilies
Thai basil leaves
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Fish sauce
Brown sugar
Vegetable oil
Green beans, optional
Cooked jasmine rice
Eggs, optional for serving
Directions
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped chilies, then cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Add optional green beans and cook until tender-crisp.
Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves until slightly wilted.
If desired, fry eggs separately until the edges are crispy.
Serve the Thai basil chicken over jasmine rice and top with a fried egg.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey, or beef instead of chicken.
Add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Make it extra spicy with additional fresh chilies or chili paste.
Use tofu or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Serve it with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
You can also microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What does Pad Krapow Gai mean?
Pad Krapow Gai translates to Thai basil chicken stir-fry.
What type of basil is used in this recipe?
Thai basil is traditional and has a slightly sweet, peppery flavor.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes. Regular basil can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is Thai Basil Chicken spicy?
Traditionally, it is fairly spicy, but you can reduce the chilies to make it milder.
What should I serve with Pad Krapow Gai?
It is most commonly served with jasmine rice and a fried egg.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Use tofu or plant-based meat and replace fish sauce and oyster sauce with vegetarian alternatives.
What protein works best besides chicken?
Ground pork is another very popular option for this dish.
How do I keep the basil fresh?
Add the basil at the end of cooking so it wilts gently without overcooking.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. It stores and reheats very well for lunches and dinners.
Can I freeze Thai Basil Chicken?
Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a quick and flavorful stir-fry packed with savory, spicy, and aromatic ingredients. Served over rice with fragrant basil and a rich sauce, this classic Thai-inspired dish is perfect for easy weeknight meals or meal prep.
This easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, features ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, savory sauce, and fresh Thai basil. Ready in just 25 minutes, this flavorful Thai-inspired dinner is perfect served over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Thai-Inspired
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground chicken
4 cloves garlic, minced
2–4 fresh Thai chilies or red chilies, chopped
1 cup Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup green beans, chopped (optional)
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
4 eggs, optional for serving
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the optional green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves until slightly wilted.
If desired, fry the eggs separately until the edges are crispy.
Serve the Thai basil chicken over jasmine rice and top with a fried egg if using.
Notes
Thai basil gives the dish its signature flavor, but regular basil can be substituted if needed.
Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer chilies.
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions make excellent vegetable additions.
For a vegetarian version, use tofu or plant-based ground meat and vegetarian sauces.
Add the basil at the very end to keep it fresh and aromatic.
