Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is one of Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes. It’s a fiery, aromatic stir-fry featuring minced or thinly sliced chicken cooked with fresh garlic, chili, and the distinct flavor of Thai holy basil — all tossed together in a savory-sweet sauce. Served over fragrant jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, it’s the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and comfort.

This dish captures the essence of Thai cuisine — bold, spicy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. The combination of umami-rich sauce and the peppery aroma of basil makes it deeply satisfying while remaining light and wholesome.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings authentic Thai street food flavor to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes. Every bite bursts with personality — spicy chilies, the depth of fish sauce, the sweetness of soy, and the unmistakable freshness of basil.

It’s a beautiful blend of heat and fragrance that feels both exotic and comforting. What makes it even better is its simplicity: you don’t need complicated ingredients or long cooking times.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try because it’s:

• Authentic and full of bold flavor — just like you’d get from a Bangkok street vendor.
• Quick and easy — ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Customizable — adjust the spice, add veggies, or swap proteins easily.
• Balanced and satisfying — spicy, sweet, salty, and aromatic all at once.
• Healthy — packed with lean protein and served with fluffy jasmine rice for the perfect meal.

If you love Asian flavors or want to try something new and vibrant, this is the dish to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving (without fried egg)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or thinly sliced chicken breast)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3–4 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion or 3 shallots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for color and crunch)
• 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai sweet basil if unavailable)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
• 1 ½ tsp sugar (or palm sugar for authentic flavor)
• 1 tbsp water

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• Fried eggs (one per serving, optional but traditional)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and water.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

1. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies.
3. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

Tip: The aroma should fill your kitchen — this is the soul of the dish!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add ground or sliced chicken to the wok.
2. Break it apart using a spatula and cook for 4–5 minutes until it turns white and slightly golden.
3. Add sliced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

1. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add the Basil

1. Turn off the heat and immediately add the basil leaves.
2. Toss everything together until the basil wilts beautifully from the residual heat.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more soy or fish sauce if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.
2. Top with a crispy fried egg (sunny-side up, with runny yolk) for the authentic Thai experience.
3. Garnish with extra basil or chili slices if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot, straight from the wok, over freshly steamed jasmine rice.
It pairs beautifully with:

• A side of sliced cucumber or fresh herbs to cool the heat.
• Lime wedges for a squeeze of acidity.
• A Thai iced tea or coconut water to balance the spice.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust spice level: Use fewer chilies for mild flavor or add more for extra heat.
• Use Thai basil: Holy basil gives the signature peppery flavor; sweet basil can substitute but tastes milder.
• Avoid overcooking basil: Add it at the very end for best aroma and color.
• Use high heat: Stir-fry quickly to preserve flavor and texture — don’t simmer!
• Ground vs. sliced chicken: Ground gives a more traditional texture, while sliced adds a chunkier bite.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow Neua): Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef for a richer flavor.
2. Thai Basil Tofu (Vegetarian): Use firm tofu instead of chicken and replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
3. Seafood Version: Try shrimp or squid for a coastal Thai twist.
4. Add Veggies: Add snow peas, carrots, or green beans for extra crunch and nutrition.
5. Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely for a lighter meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The cooked chicken mixture (without rice) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
• Reheating: Warm over medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or microwave until heated through.

Note: Basil’s aroma is best fresh, so add a few new leaves when reheating if possible.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Wooden spatula or tongs
• Rice cooker (for perfect jasmine rice)
• Small mixing bowls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but Thai holy basil has a distinct peppery, anise-like flavor that makes this dish unique. Sweet basil works as a substitute in a pinch.

Q2: How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust by using fewer Thai chilies or substitute with red chili flakes for milder heat.

Q3: Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Thinly slice or dice chicken breast for a more textured version.

Q4: Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and fish sauce to make this dish fully gluten-free.

Q5: What can I serve with it?
It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, fried egg, cucumber salad, or Thai iced tea.

Conclusion

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Jasmine Rice is a dish that embodies everything wonderful about Thai cuisine — it’s fast, fiery, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. The irresistible combination of garlic, chili, basil, and umami sauce creates an experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

It’s a meal that satisfies every craving — spicy, savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is an instant classic you’ll return to again and again.

So grab your wok, fire up the stove, and bring the taste of Bangkok street food right to your kitchen!