How to Make the Perfect Thai Basil Chicken
Thai · Easy · 20 min · 2 servings
Thai basil chicken, known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a quick and intensely savory stir-fry of minced chicken cooked with garlic, Thai chilies, and an abundance of holy basil in a deeply umami sauce. It is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand, typically served over jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg.
Why this recipe works
This Thai Basil Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 34g 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:
- 300 g ground chicken
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 5 pieces Thai bird chilies finely chopped
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Fry Garlic and Chilies
Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and immediately add the minced garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until golden and fragrant but do not let the garlic burn.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken and stir-fry over high heat for 4 minutes, breaking up clumps, until cooked through and starting to caramelize at the edges.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the oyster sauce and fish sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and clings to the meat.
Step 4: Add Basil and Serve
Remove the wok from heat and immediately stir in the holy basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly. Serve over steamed jasmine rice topped with a fried egg if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- holy basil → Italian basil or Thai sweet basil as more widely available alternatives
- ground chicken → ground pork or finely chopped chicken thighs
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using sweet basil instead of holy basil which produces a noticeably different and less peppery flavor
- Cooking over medium heat instead of high heat which prevents caramelization and produces a steamed rather than stir-fried result
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 34g protein, 22g carbs, 20g fat, 1g fiber.
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