Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Pad Krapow)

Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is one of Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes—and for good reason.

It’s bold, garlicky, spicy, and packed with aromatic herbs that make it completely irresistible.

If you’ve ever walked past a Thai food stall and caught a whiff of sizzling chilies and fragrant basil, you know the magic of this dish.

Pad Krapow ranks among the most popular Thai meals globally, and it’s easy to see why. It’s quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and delivers complex, satisfying flavors that rival your favorite takeout spot.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, Thai Basil Chicken is a go-to meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Thai Basil Chicken, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

• Chicken: Ground chicken or finely sliced chicken thighs work best.
• Thai basil: Known for its slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor. Holy basil can be used for a more traditional version.
• Garlic and Thai chilies: These aromatics bring heat and depth to the dish.
• Shallots: Optional, but they add a mild sweetness.
• Fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar: The essential flavor-building sauces.
• Neutral oil: Such as vegetable or canola, for stir-frying.
• Optional additions: Green beans, bell peppers, or even a fried egg for topping.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Step-by-Step

Follow these easy steps to create an authentic Thai Basil Chicken dish:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Mince the garlic, slice the chilies, and chop any vegetables. Having everything ready is crucial for stir-frying.
2. Heat your wok or skillet: Use high heat and add oil until shimmering.
3. Cook the aromatics: Quickly stir-fry the garlic and chilies until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add the chicken: Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as needed.
5. Pour in the sauce: Combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a bowl and add to the pan.
6. Stir-fry and reduce: Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
7. Add the basil: Toss in the Thai basil and stir just until wilted.
8. Serve immediately: Traditionally over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top.

Thai Basil Chicken Substitutions & Variations

This dish is versatile and easy to adapt:

• No Thai basil? Use sweet basil, holy basil, or a mix. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
• Diet-friendly swaps: Use tamari for gluten-free, or low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
• Add veggies: Green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work well.
• Swap the protein: Try it with pork, beef, or shrimp for a different take.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Thai Basil Chicken is best served with:

• Jasmine rice: The traditional and most flavorful base.
• Sticky rice or cauliflower rice: For alternative textures or low-carb diets.
• Lettuce wraps: For a lighter, hand-held version.
• Sides: Complement with green papaya salad, Thai cucumber salad, or a simple miso soup.
• Drinks: Thai iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a crisp lager pairs beautifully.

Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips

Pad Krapow stores well and is great for meal prep:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, but it’s best eaten fresh.
• Meal prep: Divide into containers with rice for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Recipe FAQ’s

Is Pad Krapow spicy?

Yes, it traditionally includes Thai chilies which are quite hot. You can reduce the amount or remove seeds for a milder dish.

Can I make it less salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the fish sauce slightly to suit your taste.

What’s the difference between Pad Krapow and Pad Ga Prao?

They are the same dish. “Pad Ga Prao” is simply a phonetic variation of “Pad Krapow.”

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely. Ground pork is a common alternative, and beef or tofu also work well.