Irresistible Spicy Thai Basil Chicken That’ll Make You Smile

Spicy basil chicken is a staple of Thai cuisine, known for its bold and vibrant flavors that thrill the taste buds.

This beloved dish brings together aromatic herbs with protein-rich ingredients in a way that’s true to Thailand’s food traditions.

With intense heat and complex seasonings, it’s a popular stir-fried favorite that hails from the lively street markets of Bangkok.

Fragrant Thai basil leaves add a unique herbal touch that elevates simple chicken into something special.

Both beginners and seasoned cooks enjoy how quickly it can be made, along with its exciting taste profile.

The perfect mix of spice, savory goodness, and herbal hints makes spicy Thai basil chicken an essential part of Thailand’s amazing food culture.

Why Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Is Packed With Flavor

• Quickly Master Weeknight Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this spicy Thai basil chicken comes together in just 15-20 minutes.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meals at Home: Impress your family and friends with authentic Thai flavors that taste like they're straight from a professional kitchen, without needing advanced culinary skills.
• Customize for Any Spice Preference: Easily adjust the heat level by controlling the number of Thai chiles, making this recipe friendly for both spice lovers and those with milder taste buds.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic ground chicken and pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings excitement to your everyday meal routine.

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the classic Thai stir-fry dish, best when fresh and not too fatty.
• Eggs: Rich topping that adds creamy texture and extra protein, runny yolk preferred.

• Scallions, Shallots, Garlic: Flavor foundation with sharp, pungent notes that create depth in the dish.
• Thai Basil Leaves: Signature herb with unique anise-like flavor, critical for authentic Thai taste.
• Thai Chiles: Provides essential spicy heat, choose fresh and vibrant for maximum punch.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Provides umami and rich color, dark soy adds deeper complexity.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds sweet and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce: Authentic Thai seasoning that brings salty, funky undertones.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness with subtle sweetness.
• Neutral Oil: Used for even cooking and preventing sticking.

Step-By-Step Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Guide

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

• Sliced scallions
• Chopped garlic
• Thai chiles
• Chopped shallots

Stir gently until the kitchen fills with an enticing fragrance, about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Introduce the Protein

Tumble ground chicken into the sizzling pan. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring and cooking until the meat transforms from pink to a consistent light color, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Symphony

• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce
• Brown sugar

Stir enthusiastically until sugar dissolves and chicken gets a glossy, saucy coat. Toss in fresh basil leaves, letting them dance and wilt for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Plate with Passion

Scoop the spicy chicken over steamed Jasmine rice. Crown each serving with a sunny-side-up egg, letting the yolk potentially drip luxuriously. Garnish with extra scallions and fresh basil leaves. Devour immediately while piping hot!

Tips For Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Cooking

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the number of Thai chiles to match your spice tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor experience without overwhelming your palate.
• Swap Proteins Easily: Replace ground chicken with ground pork, beef, or tofu for a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Maximize Basil Flavor: Add fresh basil leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities and prevent them from becoming bitter or wilted.
• Elevate with Crispy Egg: Use a cast-iron skillet for frying the egg to achieve a perfectly crispy edge and runny yolk that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.
• Quick Meal Prep: Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process, making this restaurant-style dish achievable in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

Store Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate Storage: Keep rice and chicken in different containers to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent dryness. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and restore the original flavor.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves after reheating to revive the aromatic essence and bring back the dish's vibrant taste.

Perfect Pairings For Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

• Pair with Crisp Thai Singha Beer: The light, refreshing beer cuts through the spicy chicken's heat, balancing flavors and cleansing the palate with its hoppy brightness.
• Create Zesty Side of Green Papaya Salad: Prepare a tangy som tam that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, adding fresh herbal notes and citrusy undertones.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice Accompaniment: Choose perfectly steamed jasmine rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce, creating a harmonious base that enhances the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Select Cooling Thai Iced Tea: Brew a sweet, creamy Thai iced tea to counteract the spiciness, offering a smooth, refreshing counterpoint that mellows the dish's intense heat.

Try New Spins On Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

• Vegetarian Thai Basil Tofu: Replace ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu, keeping all spice and sauce components identical for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional Jasmine rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining authentic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free certified for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein Swap Chicken Alternative: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or ground pork for different meat variations that maintain similar cooking techniques and flavor intensity.

All Your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Questions

• What is the key flavor profile of Pad Krapow Gai?

The dish combines bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors with a spicy kick from Thai chiles, creating a classic Thai street food taste that balances soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh basil.

• Why is Thai basil important in this recipe?

Thai basil is crucial because it provides a unique aromatic flavor different from regular sweet basil, offering a peppery, slightly spicy note that defines the authentic taste of this Thai stir-fry dish.

• Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, you can control the heat by reducing or increasing the number of Thai chiles. Remove the chile seeds for less heat, or add more chiles if you prefer a very spicy version of the dish.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

The recipe is relatively healthy, using lean ground chicken, minimal oil, and incorporating fresh herbs and aromatics. It’s protein-rich and can be part of a balanced diet when served with steamed rice.

Easy Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor bold Thai flavors with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, a zesty street-food classic that dances between heat and herbal complexity. Sizzling wok-tossed chicken mingles with aromatic basil, creating a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (32 ounces) ground chicken

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil)
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 large scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 medium shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 birds eye chiles (Thai chiles), thinly sliced
• 20–30 fresh Thai holy basil leaves

Serving Accompaniments:

• Cooked jasmine rice (about ¾ cup cooked rice per person)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 large fried egg per person (optional)
• Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet or wok, heating it to medium temperature with neutral oil. Introduce finely chopped scallions, minced garlic, sliced Thai chiles, and diced shallots, sautéing them gently until their aromatic essence emerges, approximately 1-2 minutes. Exercise caution to prevent burning the delicate ingredients.
2. Incorporate ground chicken into the fragrant mixture, methodically breaking down the meat with a spatula. Continue cooking until the protein transforms from pink to a uniform, nearly complete state, around 3-5 minutes.
3. Enrich the simmering chicken with a harmonious blend of soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Vigorously stir the liquid components to ensure complete sugar dissolution and thorough chicken coating.
4. Cascade fresh basil leaves into the skillet, gently folding them into the seasoned chicken. Allow the leaves to wilt and release their intense herbal notes, typically requiring 1-2 minutes of additional cooking.
5. Transfer the aromatic Thai basil chicken atop fluffy jasmine rice. Crown each portion with a perfectly prepared fried egg, positioning it to allow a luxurious runny yolk. Garnish with additional fresh basil and delicate scallion slivers for a vibrant presentation.
6. Serve the dish immediately, ensuring maximum flavor intensity and optimal temperature for an authentic Thai culinary experience.

Notes

• Always use a high-heat cooking method like wok or cast-iron skillet to achieve the signature caramelized flavor characteristic of authentic Thai street food.
• Freshly picked Thai basil leaves are crucial; substitute with regular basil only if absolutely necessary, as the flavor profile will change dramatically.
• Control the spice level by adjusting the number of Thai chiles or using milder peppers like serrano for those with lower heat tolerance.
• For

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg