Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is one of the most iconic and beloved street food dishes in Thailand. This dish is famous for its bold garlic-chili heat, savory umami sauce, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh Thai holy basil.

Unlike creamy Thai curries, Pad Krapow Gai is a fast, fiery stir-fry that delivers explosive flavor in every bite. It is traditionally served over steaming jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, making it one of the most satisfying quick meals in Thai cuisine.

Simple, spicy, and incredibly fragrant, this dish represents the heart of everyday Thai cooking—fast, bold, and unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Thai Basil Chicken because it delivers intense flavor with minimal ingredients and effort. The garlic, chilies, and basil create a powerful aroma that fills the kitchen instantly. I especially love how customizable it is—you can adjust the spice level, protein, and even sauce balance to suit your taste.

It’s the kind of meal you crave when you want something fast, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Plus, that crispy fried egg on top makes it completely irresistible.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

One of the most authentic Thai street food recipes
Packed with bold, spicy, savory flavors
Ready in under 30 minutes
Requires simple ingredients
Perfect for quick lunches and dinners
Can be customized with different proteins
The crispy egg topping makes it a complete comfort meal

If you want to experience real Thai flavors at home, this dish is absolutely essential.

Recipe Overview

Dish Name: Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Calories (Approx): 380–420 calories per serving (without fried egg)

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

400 g ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
6–8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4–6 Thai red chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai basil)

For the Sauce

1½ tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1–2 tsp fish sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
1 tsp sugar or palm sugar
2 tbsp water or chicken stock

For Serving (Optional but Traditional)

Steamed jasmine rice
Fried eggs (1 per serving)

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

Heat oil and sauté garlic and chilies.
Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked.
Add sauce and simmer briefly.
Toss in basil and switch off heat.
Serve hot with rice and fried egg.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients

Chop garlic, crush chilies, slice any vegetables, measure sauce ingredients, and wash basil leaves. Pad Krapow cooks very fast, so everything must be ready in advance.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilies

Heat oil in a hot wok or wide pan over high heat. Add garlic and crushed chilies. Stir-fry for 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Add Chicken

Add ground chicken and spread it out. Cook for 2–3 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until the chicken absorbs the flavor.

Step 6: Add Basil and Finish

Add basil leaves and toss quickly until just wilted. Turn off heat immediately to preserve the aroma.

Your Thai Basil Chicken is ready to serve!

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken

Serve over hot steamed jasmine rice
Top with a crispy fried egg (sunny-side up or crispy-edge Thai-style)
Add sliced cucumbers as a cooling side
Sprinkle with extra chili flakes for more heat
Serve with lime wedges for brightness

This dish is best served immediately while hot and sizzling.

Recipe Tips

Use holy basil if available—it gives authentic flavor
Do not overcook basil; add it at the very end
Adjust chilies based on your spice tolerance
Keep the heat high for classic street-style taste
Ground chicken works best for absorption of sauce

Variations (In Detail)

1. Pad Krapow Moo (Pork Basil Stir-Fry)

Use ground pork instead of chicken for a richer, juicier texture.

2. Pad Krapow Beef

Use finely chopped beef for a bolder, heartier flavor.

3. Seafood Basil Stir-Fry

Use shrimp, squid, or fish. Add seafood only in the final minutes to avoid overcooking.

4. Vegetarian Pad Krapow

Use tofu, mushrooms, or soy mince. Replace fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce.

5. Extra Crispy Basil Chicken

Shallow-fry cooked chicken briefly before tossing it back into the sauce for a crispy texture.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water

Freezing:

Freeze for up to 1 month
Store in freezer-safe containers
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Note: Basil may darken slightly after freezing, but flavor stays good.

Special Equipment Needed

Wok or wide frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Wooden spatula
Measuring spoons

No complex equipment required—this is classic fast street-style cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is Pad Krapow very spicy?
It is traditionally very spicy, but you can reduce the chilies for milder heat.

Q2. Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil?
Yes, Thai basil is the best substitute. Italian basil works but changes the flavor slightly.

Q3. Can I make this dish without fish sauce?
Yes, just increase soy sauce or use vegetarian fish sauce.

Q4. Is Pad Krapow healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and low in carbs if served with controlled rice portions.

Q5. Why does Thai street food Pad Krapow taste smoky?
It’s cooked on very high heat, which creates a slight wok-char flavor.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is the ultimate fat, bold, and comforting Thai meal. With its explosive chili-garlic heat, savory sauce, and fresh basil aroma, it delivers unmatched flavor using simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and crowned with a crispy fried egg, it becomes the kind of meal that satisfies every single craving—spicy, salty, juicy, and comforting. Whether you are new to Thai cooking or a longtime fan, this dish deserves a permanent place in your home cooking rotation.