Introduction
When it comes to fast, flavorful dinners, few dishes hit the spot like Thai Basil Chicken. Known as Pad Kra Pao Gai in Thailand, this fiery stir-fry is made with tender chicken, garlic, chilies, and a trio of savory sauces—all tossed with aromatic Thai basil. Served over hot jasmine rice, it’s everything you crave in a Thai dish: spicy, savory, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in just 20 minutes. No takeout menu required.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold, authentic Thai flavors in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness
- Made with simple pantry staples plus fresh basil
- Customizable spice level and protein choice
- A great introduction to Thai cooking at home
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
🍗 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden in spots.
🧄 Step 3: Add Garlic and Chilies
- Stir in garlic and Thai chilies.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant—watch your eyes and nose!
🥣 Step 4: Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss everything to coat.
🌿 Step 5: Add the Thai Basil
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Gently fold in the Thai basil leaves until just wilted. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
🍚 Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot over freshly cooked jasmine rice.
- Garnish with extra basil or a fried egg for a street food-style touch.
Tips and Variations
- Don’t overcook the basil: Add it off-heat to preserve its aroma.
- Can’t find Thai basil? Sub with Italian basil, but add a pinch of anise or fennel seed for that licorice hint.
- Prefer milder heat? Use fewer chilies or opt for red bell pepper.
- Swap chicken with ground pork, beef, tofu, or shrimp for variation.
- Serve with a crispy fried egg (kai dao) for the full Thai street food experience.
Storage and Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Great for meal prep—just keep rice and chicken separate until ready to serve.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love bold, savory dinners that come together fast, try these next:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
Final Thoughts
This Thai Basil Chicken brings fast food to a new level—fast to make, and full of unforgettable flavor. It’s spicy, saucy, and bursting with the sweet-savory aroma of basil and garlic. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Tried it? Let us know how spicy you went—and follow for more bold, globally inspired recipes that are easier than you think.
