Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai)

Thai Basil Chicken is one of the most popular street food dishes in Thailand. This savory stir-fry features tender ground chicken cooked with garlic, chili, and Thai holy basil, all coated in a deeply flavorful sauce. Quick to make and bursting with authentic Thai flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and exciting.

Course: Main, Dinner
Cuisine: Thai Recipe, Southeast Asian Dish

• This dish is often called the “unofficial national dish” of Thailand because of how commonly it’s eaten.
• Holy basil (bai kaphrao) is different from Thai sweet basil (horapha). Its flavor is more pungent, spicy, and peppery.
• In Thailand, this stir-fry is usually made to order and eaten within minutes of cooking—making it one of the fastest and freshest meals you can get.

Why Thai Basil Chicken Is So Popular

Thai Basil Chicken or Pad Kra Pao Gai (ผัดกะเพราไก่) is beloved because it’s quick, flavorful, and affordable. In Thailand, it’s often served with jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg (kai dao). The holy basil (kaphrao) lends a peppery, slightly spicy aroma that sets it apart from sweet basil. The combination of garlic, chilies, and savory sauces creates that signature umami punch Thai street food is famous for.

INGREDIENTS FOR THAI BASIL CHICKEN

• Protein: Ground chicken (or chicken thighs, diced small)
• Aromatics: Garlic, Thai bird’s eye chilies
• Seasonings & Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar
• Herbs: Fresh Thai holy basil leaves
• Accompaniments: Steamed jasmine rice, fried egg (optional, but traditional)

HOW TO MAKE THAI BASIL CHICKEN

1. Prepare ingredients – Finely chop garlic and chilies. Wash and pluck basil leaves from stems.
2. Heat the wok – Add oil to a hot wok or skillet. Stir-fry garlic and chilies until fragrant.
3. Cook the chicken – Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked.
4. Add seasonings – Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Add basil – Turn off the heat and stir in the basil leaves until just wilted.
6. Serve – Spoon over steamed jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg for the authentic Thai street food experience.

DIETARY INFORMATION

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
• Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free.
• Low-Calorie: This recipe is lean and low in calories, especially with ground chicken breast.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Substitution: Replace chicken with firm tofu or minced mushrooms. Use vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce alternatives.

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai)

Make authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Phat Kaphrao Gai) at home with this easy recipe! A spicy, garlicky stir-fry with ground chicken, fresh holy basil, and savory sauces.

Servings 4

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken or diced chicken thighs
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies chopped (adjust to heat level)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil vegetable or canola
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar brown sugar preferred
• 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
• Steamed jasmine rice for serving
• Fried eggs for topping (optional, traditional)

Instructions

 

• Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add ground chicken. Break apart with spatula and cook until no longer pink.
• Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
• Turn off heat and add basil leaves. Stir until wilted.
• Serve immediately with jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg on top.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (without egg) Calories: 285 Carbohydrates: 10g (4% DV) Protein: 27g (54% DV) Fat: 14g (18% DV) Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV) Cholesterol: 95mg (32% DV) Sodium: 890mg (39% DV) Fiber: 1g (4% DV) Sugar: 3g Vitamin A: 8% DV Vitamin C: 20% DV Calcium: 4% DV Iron: 15% DV

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Course: dinner, main dish

Cuisine: thai

Keyword: easy weeknight dinner, phat kaphrao gai, Thai basil chicken recipe, Thai chicken stir fry, Thai street food

Recipe Tips

• Adjust chili quantity to your spice tolerance. Thai street food versions are very spicy!
• If you can’t find Thai holy basil, substitute with Thai sweet basil. Regular Italian basil works in a pinch.
• For vegetarian/vegan: replace chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Make ahead: Cook chicken and sauce, then reheat. Add basil just before serving for freshness.

Serving Ideas

• Traditionally served with jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg (kai dao).
• Pairs well with Thai soups like Tom Yum or Tom Kha Gai.
• Add a side of Thai cucumber salad to balance the spice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.