Thai Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken) | Authentic 30-Minute Thai Recipe

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Bring the Bold Flavors of Thailand to Your Dinner Table

Thai Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is one of Thailand's most beloved street food dishes. Made with savory ground chicken, fragrant garlic, spicy chilies, and fresh Thai basil, this quick stir-fry is bursting with bold flavors that perfectly balance salty, sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes.

Served over steaming jasmine rice and traditionally topped with a crispy fried egg, this easy meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering authentic restaurant-quality flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Ready in just 30 minutes

✔ Authentic Thai street food

✔ One-pan recipe

✔ Bold, savory flavor

✔ Easy to customize

✔ High in protein

✔ Better than takeout

✔ Perfect for meal prep

About This Recipe

Pad Kra Pao is one of Thailand's most iconic everyday meals. The name comes from the Thai word "krapow," referring to holy basil, an herb known for its distinctive peppery aroma.

Although holy basil can be difficult to find outside Thailand, Thai basil is a fantastic substitute that still delivers incredible flavor. Combined with garlic, chilies, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce, it creates a dish that's simple yet unforgettable.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Thai

Course: Main Course

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Stir Fry

  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2–4 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves

To Serve

  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 fried eggs (optional but traditional)
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.

Step 4

Stir in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauces, and brown sugar. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 5

Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6

Turn off the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil while preserving its fresh aroma.

Step 7

Serve immediately over hot jasmine rice and top each serving with a crispy fried egg if desired.

Chef's Tips

  • Fresh Thai basil provides the most authentic flavor.
  • Cook over high heat to mimic traditional wok cooking.
  • Adjust the number of chilies based on your preferred spice level.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking, as the stir-fry comes together quickly.
  • Don't overcook the basil—add it at the end for maximum freshness.

Variations

Beef Pad Kra Pao

Replace the ground chicken with ground beef.

Pork Version

Ground pork is another traditional choice.

Seafood Version

Use chopped shrimp instead of chicken.

Vegetarian Version

Substitute crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. For the best texture, prepare fresh jasmine rice when serving leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pad Kra Pao?

Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry made with meat, garlic, chilies, holy basil, and savory sauces, typically served with rice and a fried egg.

Can I use regular basil?

Sweet basil works in a pinch, but Thai basil offers a more authentic flavor and aroma.

Is this dish very spicy?

Traditionally, yes. You can reduce the number of chilies to make it milder.

What should I serve with Pad Kra Pao?

Jasmine rice is the classic accompaniment. A fried egg and cucumber slices are also popular additions.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 485
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

(Nutrition does not include rice or fried egg.)

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Thai favorite with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Crispy fried egg
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Thai iced tea
  • Mango Pineapple Cooler
  • Thai cucumber salad

Final Thoughts

Thai Pad Kra Pao proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Fast, satisfying, and packed with authentic Thai character, it's the perfect introduction to Thai home cooking and a recipe you'll come back to again and again.

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