How to Make the Perfect Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Thai · Easy · 18 min · 2 servings
This vibrant Thai basil chicken, known as Pad Krapow Gai, features ground chicken cooked with fragrant Thai basil and fiery chilies in a bold savory sauce. It is one of Thailand most beloved street food dishes and comes together incredibly fast.
Why this recipe works
This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 18 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 35g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 whole Thai red chilies finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep Aromatics
Mince the garlic and chop the Thai red chilies finely. Keep them together on a cutting board ready to go into the wok because this dish cooks very fast and you do not want to be chopping mid-cook.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Heat the wok over high heat until very hot and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the garlic and chilies and stir fry for about 30 seconds until deeply fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a spatula. Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to caramelize in spots for added depth.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Basil
Pour in the fish sauce and oyster sauce and toss to combine thoroughly. Remove the wok from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, which will wilt beautifully from the residual heat without losing their aroma.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground chicken → ground pork or crumbled firm tofu for an equally delicious variation
- Thai basil → Italian basil works in a pinch though the flavor will be milder and less anise-forward
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the basil too early causes it to turn black and bitter instead of wilting gently into the dish
- Using low heat means the chicken will stew in its own juices rather than developing caramelized golden bits
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 35g protein, 18g carbs, 18g fat, 2g fiber.
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