If you’re craving real Thai flavor, this spicy thai basil chicken (pad krapow gai) recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Pad Krapow Gai is a beloved Thai street food dish of ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fragrant Thai basil, traditionally served over rice with a fried egg on top.
Ready in about 22 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 12 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Thai dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- Fragrant Thai basil, with its distinct anise-like flavor, is what makes this dish taste like the street-food original.
- Ground chicken stir-fried hot and fast with garlic and chilies keeps every bite punchy, not diluted.
- A quick one-pan stir-fry that’s very forgiving for a beginner, ready in about 22 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, especially good topped with a crispy fried egg over rice.
✅ Quick Tip: Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor that’s different from Italian basil — use it if you can find it for the most authentic taste. Have every ingredient prepped and within reach before you start — stir-fries move fast and there’s no time to chop mid-cook.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top and extra fish sauce with chilies on the side.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Before you start, gather and prep all 12 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
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Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
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Add garlic and chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the ground chicken and stir-fry, breaking it up, for 5-6 minutes until cooked through.
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Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
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Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, tossing to combine.
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Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil until just wilted.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
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Serve over steamed rice topped with a fried egg.
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Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai).
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 225mg75%
- Sodium 820mg35%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor that's different from Italian basil - use it if you can find it for the most authentic taste. Have every ingredient prepped and within reach before you start - stir-fries move fast and there's no time to chop mid-cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground pork or beef instead of chicken?
Yes, both are common substitutes and work well with the same method and seasonings.
How spicy is this dish traditionally?
It's typically quite spicy in Thailand - adjust the number of chilies to suit your heat preference.
What can I use instead of Thai basil?
Regular basil or a mix of basil and mint can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder and less peppery.
