Thai Basil Chicken Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind (So Easy & Flavorful!)
If you’ve never tried Thai basil chicken before, let me tell you—this dish changed the way I think about weeknight dinners.
I was craving something quick, but not boring, and that’s when this recipe came to life. The smell of garlic, the kick of chilies, and that fresh pop of basil—oh, it’s pure magic.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a few basics, one pan, and dinner is done. I promise, once you make this, you’ll want it again and again.
What is Thai Basil Chicken?
Thai basil chicken, also called Pad Krapow Gai, is a famous Thai street food dish. It’s made with ground chicken, garlic, chilies, soy sauce, and lots of Thai basil.
It’s salty, spicy, a little sweet, and super fragrant. Most people enjoy it with jasmine rice and a fried egg on top—it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, bold in flavor, and feels like restaurant-quality food at home. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that makes me excited to eat dinner.
It’s also flexible—you can adjust the spice level, use chicken breast or thighs, or even swap with ground turkey or pork. Every time I make it, it feels fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make authentic Thai basil chicken at home:
- Ground chicken – Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up flavor.
- Garlic – The heart of this dish, use lots of it.
- Fresh chilies – Bird’s eye chilies for authentic heat, but you can use red chili flakes if you like it milder.
- Soy sauce & oyster sauce – Add depth and umami.
- Fish sauce – Brings that real Thai flavor.
- Sugar – Balances out the spice and saltiness.
- Fresh Thai basil – The hero ingredient, slightly spicy and peppery, not the same as regular basil.
- Rice – To serve, jasmine rice is the best choice.
- Eggs – Optional but highly recommended—fried egg on top makes it complete.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Aromatics
Chop garlic and chilies finely. These two will make your kitchen smell heavenly once they hit the pan.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Add garlic and chilies, sauté until fragrant. Add ground chicken and break it apart with your spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
3. Add the Sauces
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a little sugar. Stir well so the chicken is coated in that savory, slightly sweet sauce.
4. Toss in the Basil
Turn off the heat and add a big handful of Thai basil leaves. They will wilt immediately and release their amazing aroma.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the chicken over hot jasmine rice and, if you want the full Thai experience, top with a crispy fried egg.
Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken
- Don’t skip the basil – Thai basil has a special flavor regular basil can’t replace.
- Adjust spice level – Use fewer chilies if you don’t want it too hot.
- Cook fast on high heat – This keeps everything fresh and flavorful, just like Thai street food.
- Always serve with rice – The sauce and chicken need fluffy rice to balance the flavors.
Variations You Can Try
- Use ground pork or ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Add bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch and color.
- Make it a little saucier by adding a splash of chicken broth.
- Skip the egg if you’re keeping it lighter, but honestly, the fried egg makes it perfect.
Why You’ll Love It Too
This dish is everything I love about cooking—fast, tasty, and doesn’t need a ton of ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re eating out at a Thai restaurant, but you’re right at home. The smell of basil and garlic together will have you hooked before the first bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
A: You can, but it won’t taste the same. Thai basil has a peppery kick that makes the dish special.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It depends on how many chilies you use. You can make it mild or fiery hot.
Q: Can I meal prep Thai basil chicken?
A: Yes! It reheats really well. Just keep rice and chicken stored separately for best results.
Q: What type of rice is best?
A: Jasmine rice is the classic choice—it’s soft, fluffy, and perfect with the sauce.
Q: Do I really need fish sauce?
A: Yes, if you want authentic flavor. But if you don’t have it, you can replace with extra soy sauce.
👉 And that’s it! My go-to Thai Basil Chicken Recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and totally doable at home. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become a regular at your dinner table.
