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Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)

Quick and Flavorful Thai Chicken Stir Fry with Basil

A bold and aromatic twist on everyday chicken dishes

Few dishes deliver vibrant flavor and comforting spice in under 15 minutes quite like Thai Basil Chicken. Known locally as Pad Kra Pao, this irresistible Thai street food staple is a bold stir-fry made with juicy ground chicken, fragrant garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh holy basil. It’s the kind of dish that grabs your attention from the very first bite—spicy, savory, and satisfyingly umami.

This quick stir-fry isn’t just fast; it’s deeply layered in flavor. The ingredients are humble, but when combined over a sizzling wok, they transform into something completely addictive. Whether served over steamed jasmine rice or topped with a crispy fried egg, Thai Basil Chicken brings the soul of Thai street food to your kitchen with no compromises on authenticity.

What makes Thai Basil Chicken stand out

At the heart of Pad Kra Pao is its simplicity. It’s not about complicated techniques or expensive ingredients—it’s about balance. The heat of the chilies is offset by the sweetness of the sauce. The savory chicken is enhanced by the freshness of the basil. The rice soaks up every drop of bold, fragrant sauce, making every bite rich yet light, spicy yet sweet, deeply umami but still bright and herbal.

It’s this harmonious contrast that makes Pad Kra Pao a go-to favorite in Thai households. What’s more, the recipe is incredibly adaptable—you can make it mild or fiery, use ground turkey, beef, or tofu instead of chicken, and still achieve a result that feels authentically Thai.

A 15-minute Thai classic that fits any schedule

Busy weeknight? Late-night craving? Dinner guests arriving in 20 minutes? Pad Kra Pao has your back. With only a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can serve up a restaurant-worthy dish faster than most takeout. There’s no need for marinades or long cooking times—just a hot wok, a few bold ingredients, and 15 minutes of your time.

Even if you’re new to cooking Thai food, this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. You’ll learn how to layer flavors, control heat levels, and achieve that signature stir-fried texture that defines Thai cuisine.

Why you’ll fall in love with this recipe

  • Authentic flavor in minutes – A true taste of Bangkok’s street food culture, ready in less time than it takes to boil rice.
  • Customizable to your spice tolerance – Make it family-friendly or bring the heat, it’s completely up to you.
  • One-pan simplicity – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and no special equipment required.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers that taste just as great the next day.
  • Naturally dairy-free – A smart option for those with dietary restrictions, and easily adaptable for gluten-free eaters too.

Ingredients that bring Thai flavors to life

The secret to the bold flavor of Thai Basil Chicken lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Garlic and chilies form the flavor base, sizzling in oil until aromatic. Ground chicken cooks quickly, soaking in the savory mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. A touch of sugar balances the heat, while the holy basil adds its unique, peppery fragrance at the very end—never too early, never too late.

If you’ve never cooked with Thai holy basil before, it’s time to discover this herbal powerhouse. Slightly spicier and more robust than sweet basil, it gives Pad Kra Pao its unmistakable depth and character.

Tips for an authentic stir fry experience

For best results, use a carbon steel wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan—let the chicken brown slightly for more texture and flavor. Add the basil off the heat to keep its aroma vibrant. And always serve immediately while the sauce is hot and glossy, clinging perfectly to every bite.

If you love a crispy fried egg on top (as served in Thailand), heat a small amount of oil in a separate pan, crack in the egg, and fry until the edges are lacy and golden brown. The runny yolk mixing with the spicy chicken creates pure magic on the plate.

A dish that brings people together

Pad Kra Pao is more than just food—it’s a moment. The fragrance filling your kitchen, the vibrant colors on the plate, the balanced yet bold flavors in your mouth—it’s a sensory journey that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a dish that invites conversation, appreciation, and that quiet moment of satisfaction after the last spoonful.

Ready to try it?

Heat up your wok, gather your ingredients, and give yourself the gift of bold, beautiful flavor in just 15 minutes. This is more than a quick dinner—it’s a taste of Thailand in every bite.

Let Thai Basil Chicken become your next weeknight favorite. All it takes is one try.

Do you like this recipe? Just copy and save it – for your kitchen, recipe notebook, or blog post.

Recipe Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken (450g)
4 cloves garlic, minced (12g)
2 shallots, finely chopped (60g)
4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (10g)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (30ml)
2 tbsp oyster sauce (30ml)
1 tbsp soy sauce (15ml)
1 tbsp fish sauce (15ml)
1 tsp sugar (5g)
1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (25g)
4 cooked jasmine rice portions (about 3 cups cooked rice / 600g)
4 eggs (optional, for serving)
The quantity produced by the recipe
Servings: 4 portions
Preparation instructions
  1. Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Peel and finely chop the garlic and shallots. Finely slice the chilies, keeping seeds if you prefer extra heat. Wash and dry the Thai basil leaves.
  2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant—do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the ground chicken to the pan. Stir constantly and break it apart into small pieces using a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.
  4. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the holy basil leaves. Let them wilt in the residual heat of the pan. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
  6. Optional: In a separate skillet, fry the eggs. Heat a little oil, crack in the eggs one by one, and cook until the whites are set and the edges are crispy, leaving the yolks slightly runny.
  7. To serve, spoon the stir-fried chicken over steamed jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg if desired. Serve immediately.
Preparation
5 minutes
Cooking / Baking
10 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes

Creative Ways to Enhance Your Thai Basil Chicken at Home

Unlocking deeper flavors with alternative ingredients

Traditional Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) is already a powerhouse of flavor, but with a few smart tweaks, you can take this beloved dish to new heights. Whether you're seeking more depth, heat, nutrition, or a version that better suits your dietary needs, small changes can make a big impact. Each modification offers a different taste experience while preserving the dish’s vibrant Thai character.

Add umami with mushrooms or fermented ingredients

For a richer and deeper flavor profile, adding finely chopped shiitake mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated dried) to the chicken mixture introduces an earthy umami that complements the soy and oyster sauce perfectly. A small amount of fermented black beans or a teaspoon of miso paste can also add a savory punch that layers beautifully into the sauce without overwhelming it.

These ingredients help replicate the intensity found in Thai street food stalls, giving your home-cooked version a professional edge.

Choose different proteins for texture and nutrition

Ground chicken is the classic choice, but swapping it with other proteins can introduce interesting textures and health benefits:

  • Ground turkey: Slightly leaner, absorbs sauce well, and offers a milder flavor—ideal for those reducing fat intake.
  • Minced pork: Brings more fat and flavor, giving the dish a more succulent texture. It’s a favorite variation in Thailand.
  • Firm tofu or tempeh: Ideal for vegetarians, these plant-based proteins still allow the sauce and basil to shine. Cube and pan-fry tofu before adding it to keep the texture firm.
  • Ground beef: A heartier, more Westernized version. Use lean beef to keep it balanced and avoid greasiness.

Each protein change subtly affects the overall flavor—pork and beef yield more richness, while tofu or turkey keep it light and healthy.

How cooking at home improves the quality of Pad Kra Pao

Cooking Thai Basil Chicken at home means complete control—from the quality of ingredients to the level of heat. Unlike some restaurant or takeaway versions that may be heavy on sugar or sodium, a homemade version lets you balance flavors precisely to your liking.

You can choose organic chicken, low-sodium soy sauce, or free-range eggs, resulting in a dish that’s not only tastier but also healthier and more ethical. You can also make the dish gluten-free with certified sauces or tailor it for allergies without sacrificing authenticity.

Ways to make your dish spicier or milder

Chili heat is at the heart of Pad Kra Pao, but it’s also highly customizable. Use bird’s eye chilies for intense heat, or swap them for fresno peppers or jalapeños for a milder burn. If cooking for children or spice-sensitive guests, remove the seeds or use sweet red bell peppers instead. You’ll still get color and crunch without the fire.

Want it hotter? Add a dash of Sriracha, chili crisp, or even a pinch of chili flakes into the sauce to intensify the burn without changing the recipe’s base.

Sauce upgrades: balancing sweet, salty, and savory

The secret to a memorable Thai stir-fry lies in the balance of sauces. Try adjusting the proportions of fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to suit your personal preference:

  • Add a few drops of dark soy sauce for more color and a deeper flavor.
  • A teaspoon of palm sugar instead of white sugar creates a more caramelized depth.
  • If you're aiming for a lower-sodium version, use coconut aminos or reduced-sodium soy sauce and compensate with a pinch of salt for balance.

Even small shifts in these ingredients can significantly influence the final taste.

More than rice: exciting serving options

While Pad Kra Pao is traditionally served over steamed jasmine rice, trying other pairings can change the whole experience:

  • Brown rice or black rice: Adds nuttiness and fiber, ideal for a healthier meal.
  • Rice noodles or glass noodles: Create a Pad Kra Pao-inspired noodle bowl.
  • Cauliflower rice or quinoa: For low-carb eaters or anyone adding nutritional variety.

Each base changes how the sauce is absorbed and offers a different mouthfeel.

Avoid these common mistakes

Even simple dishes have pitfalls. Here are a few common errors to watch for:

  • Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dryness. Stir-fry quickly on high heat to keep it juicy.
  • Adding basil too early: Basil wilts and loses aroma when overcooked. Always add it off the heat.
  • Burning the garlic: Garlic should be lightly golden, not browned. It should infuse the oil, not overpower it with bitterness.
  • Too much liquid: This is a stir-fry, not a stew. Cook on high heat to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the meat.

By mastering these details, your Thai Basil Chicken will taste cleaner, brighter, and more professional.

How to make a healthier version without sacrificing flavor

Looking for a lighter meal without losing that signature flavor punch? These healthy swaps are simple but effective:

  • Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for better fats.
  • Choose lean ground meat or even plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  • Reduce sugar or substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
  • Add finely chopped spinach or kale to the mix for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Steam the egg instead of frying for a low-fat topping.

These changes not only support a healthy lifestyle but keep the dish satisfying and delicious.

Experiment with regional twists

Why not infuse your Pad Kra Pao with a regional personality?

  • Add a spoonful of green curry paste to the oil at the start for a Thai fusion twist.
  • Garnish with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for texture and added aroma.
  • Incorporate a touch of lime juice or zest at the end for a citrusy lift.
  • Top with pickled vegetables to contrast the richness of the meat and egg.

These ideas give the dish a fresh interpretation while respecting its roots.

When less is more: the importance of restraint

One of the hallmarks of Thai cooking is restraint—not overloading with too many extras. Every enhancement should have purpose. The more intentional you are, the more refined your dish becomes. Let the basil, the heat, and the umami-rich sauce remain the focus. Let your additions enhance, not distract.

Mastering Thai Basil Chicken isn't just about following a recipe—it’s about understanding its balance. Once you learn how each ingredient contributes to that harmony, you can confidently experiment, personalize, and enjoy this dish in countless new ways.

Serving size
Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories (kcal)
390
Carbohydrate (g)
28
Cholesterol (mg)
180
Fiber (g)
2
Proteins (g)
26
Sodium (mg)
1080
Sugar (g)
3
Fat (g)
20
Saturated fat (g)
4
Unsaturated fat (g)
14
Trans fat (g)
0
Allergens
  • Soy (from soy sauce and oyster sauce)
  • Fish (from fish sauce)
  • Eggs (if served with fried egg)
  • Gluten (from soy sauce and oyster sauce if not using gluten-free versions)

Gluten-free substitution tips:

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)
  • Use gluten-free oyster sauce
  • Ensure fish sauce is certified gluten-free
Vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamin A: 400 IU – supports immune health and vision
  • Vitamin C: 18 mg – contributes to immune defense and skin health
  • Vitamin K: 30 µg – important for blood clotting and bone health
  • Iron: 2.1 mg – supports oxygen transport and energy metabolism
  • Calcium: 35 mg – essential for bone health
  • Potassium: 410 mg – regulates fluid balance and muscle function
  • Magnesium: 30 mg – supports nerve function and energy production
Antioxidant content
  • Capsaicin (from Thai chilies): 8 mg – helps reduce inflammation and support metabolism
  • Eugenol (from holy basil): 4 mg – contributes to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
  • Flavonoids (from shallots and basil): 12 mg – protect cells from oxidative stress and promote heart health
  • Beta-carotene (from basil): 160 µg – supports skin health and immune response

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