Spicy Garden Delight: Authentic Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Sizzling woks and vibrant street markets inspired this incredible Thai basil chicken that bursts with authentic Southeast Asian flavors.

The aromatic blend of fresh herbs and spices creates a dance of tastes on your plate.

Fragrant basil leaves mingle with tender chicken, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory notes that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand.

Restaurant-quality dishes don’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves just that.

Weeknight dinners are about to get a delicious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular meal.

Let’s find out this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a true flavor explosion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 3

Thai Basil Chicken Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Chicken: Lean and versatile protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Powerful aromatic that provides deep, robust flavor and incredible depth to the dish.
• Onion or Shallot: Adds sweetness and foundation to the base flavor, select firm and unblemished specimens.

• Light Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami base, choose gluten-free version if needed.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Delivers rich color and deeper taste, opt for low sodium variety.
• Oyster Sauce: Brings complex sweetness and glossy finish to the chicken.
• Fish Sauce: Adds authentic Thai saltiness and depth, select high-quality brand.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Balances saltiness with subtle sweetness, adds caramelization.
• Garlic Chili Sauce or Sriracha: Introduces spicy kick and additional complexity.

• Thai Basil or Regular Basil: Signature herb providing aromatic freshness, pick vibrant green leaves.
• Red Chili: Adds heat and color, remove seeds for milder version.
• Green Hot Pepper: Introduces gentle spiciness and crunch.
• Green Onion: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor, chop finely.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Prawn Crackers: Optional crispy side accompaniment.
• Additional Basil Leaves: Extra garnish for enhanced aroma.

Tools to Cook Thai Basil Chicken Like a Pro

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping garlic, chilies, and green onions.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise, fine chopping of ingredients.
• Nonstick Pan: Key tool for sautéing and cooking ground chicken evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate sauce measurements.
• Rice Cooker or Pot: Essential for preparing steamed rice.
• Frying Pan: Optional for making crispy fried egg.

Simple Steps for Making Thai Basil Chicken

• Aromatics Prep

Gather your flavor warriors: fragrant garlic and fiery green chilies. Chop them into tiny pieces that will dance through the dish.

• Sauté Foundation

Warm a pan with a splash of oil. Toss in onions or shallots, letting them soften and release their sweet essence. Quickly add garlic and chilies to create a fragrant base.

• Protein Magic

Introduce ground chicken to the pan, letting it sizzle and transform into tender, juicy morsels. Watch it change from pink to perfectly cooked.

• Sauce Symphony

Pour in a harmony of sauces – soy in light and dark notes, a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, a kick from chili sauce, deep umami from oyster sauce, and a marine whisper of fish sauce. Sprinkle red chilies for extra excitement.

• Basil Finale

Toss in fresh Thai basil, watching it wilt slightly while maintaining its vibrant green spirit. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water to keep things lively.

• Serving Celebration

Nestle this flavor-packed creation over fluffy steamed rice. Crown with a crispy fried egg, scatter green onions and extra basil leaves. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a final flourish of texture and finish with prawn crackers on the side.

Helpful Tips for Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for a protein variation that keeps the dish light and exciting.
• Adjust green chilies and chili sauce to dial heat up or down, making the recipe friendly for mild to wild palate preferences.
• Use Thai basil for authentic flavor, but regular basil works beautifully when Thai basil isn't available – each brings its own delightful twist.
• This dish stores perfectly in sealed containers for 3-4 days, with flavors deepening overnight – making it an ideal quick lunch or dinner option.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts on top right before serving, adding a delightful nutty dimension to the classic Thai basil chicken.

Serving Thai Basil Chicken With a Twist

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair this spicy chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauces and balance the heat.
• Crispy Texture Boost: Add prawn crackers on the side for a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken and soft herbs.
• Egg Lover's Dream: Top with a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, letting the runny yolk mix with the saucy chicken for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh Thai basil and chopped green onions just before serving to bring a bright, aromatic burst of freshness to the dish.

Keeping Thai Basil Chicken Fresh for Leftovers

• Refrigerator Ready Meals: Quickly store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen and taste even more delicious when reheated gently in a skillet.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Portion cooked chicken into freezer-safe containers, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop extra garlic, green chilies, and basil ahead of time. Store separately in sealed containers to streamline future cooking sessions and reduce daily prep time.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack cold or warm in meal prep containers with separated rice compartments. Add a small container of extra basil leaves or green onions to refresh the dish's vibrant flavors when serving at work or school.

Authentic Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious spicy Pad Kra Pao Gai (Thai Basil Chicken) delivers authentic Bangkok street flavor with minimal ingredients. Fragrant herbs and quick stir-frying create an irresistible meal you can easily recreate at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) ground chicken
• 2 fried eggs
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium if possible, gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons liquid honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce, sriracha, or another hot sauce
• ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
• 1 medium mild hot green pepper, chopped
• ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil
• 2–3 stalks green onion, for garnish
• More basil leaves
• Sesame seeds
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• Avocado oil for cooking
• Prawn crackers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Mince garlic cloves and slice green chilies into delicate, thin rounds, unlocking their vibrant aromatics.
2. Sauté Base: Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add onions or shallots, cooking until translucent and golden-edged.
3. Flavor Development: Introduce minced garlic and green chilies, stirring quickly to prevent burning while releasing their intense essence.
4. Protein Cooking: Add ground chicken, breaking into uniform pieces and cooking until completely opaque and thoroughly browned.
5. Sauce Integration: Pour in light and dark soy sauces, maple syrup, garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that coats the chicken.
6. Herbal Finish: Fold in fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to gently wilt while preserving their bright green color and releasing aromatic oils.
7. Moisture Adjustment: If needed, splash a small amount of water to generate a glossy, light sauce that embraces the chicken.
8. Plating and Garnish: Arrange the fragrant chicken over steamed jasmine rice, top with a crisp fried egg, and sprinkle with sliced green onions, additional basil leaves, and toasted sesame seeds.
9. Serving: Present immediately with prawn crackers, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

• Prep Timing: Chop ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, swift cooking process without interruptions.
• Sauce Balance: Taste and adjust sauce combinations carefully, as each condiment significantly impacts overall flavor profile.
• Basil Handling: Add fresh Thai basil leaves at the very end to preserve their delicate flavor and prevent wilting or bitterness.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat to develop caramelization and prevent meat from becoming dry or tough during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg