Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai)

Name: Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10.4 lb 1 pound ground chicken; 1.5 g 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1.9 bottle 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste); 10 cup 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves; 7.4 can 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 7.7 pcs 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 6.8 ml 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 4.6 dash 1 teaspoon sugar; 7.2 drop 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4.3 mg 2 tablespoons water; 3 box Cooked rice, for serving; 7.6 whole Fried egg (optional), for garnish

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai) - RecipeFund

By Kimberly Johnson

November 9, 2025

5969 views

This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe, also known as Pad Kra Pao Gai, is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and umami. Ground chicken is stir-fried with fresh Thai basil, chilies, garlic, and a savory sauce, creating a dish that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve it over rice for a complete and delicious meal. The key to this dish is using fresh Thai basil, which has a distinct anise-like flavor that sets it apart from regular basil. Adjust the amount of chilies to your preferred spice level. Fish sauce is a quintessential ingredient in Thai cooking, adding a salty and umami depth. If you don't have it on hand, you can substitute with soy sauce, but the flavor won't be quite the same. Don't overcook the chicken. Stir-frying is best done quickly over high heat to ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken - 10.4 lb
3 cloves garlic, minced - 1.5 g
2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) - 1.9 bottle
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves - 10.0 cup
2 tablespoons soy sauce - 7.4 can
1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 7.7 pcs
1 tablespoon fish sauce - 6.8 ml
1 teaspoon sugar - 4.6 dash
2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 7.2 drop
2 tablespoons water - 4.3 mg

Cooking Steps

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Add ground chicken to the wok and stir-fry, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 5

Add Thai basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry until they are wilted, about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice. Garnish with a fried egg, if desired.

Step 7

Enjoy your homemade Spicy Thai Basil Chicken!

# Skillet # Spring # No-Cook # Weekend # Avocado

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai)

By Kimberly Johnson

November 9, 2025

5969 views

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken - 10.4 lb
3 cloves garlic, minced - 1.5 g
2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) - 1.9 bottle
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves - 10.0 cup
2 tablespoons soy sauce - 7.4 can
1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 7.7 pcs
1 tablespoon fish sauce - 6.8 ml
1 teaspoon sugar - 4.6 dash
2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 7.2 drop
2 tablespoons water - 4.3 mg

Cooking Steps

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Add ground chicken to the wok and stir-fry, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 5

Add Thai basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry until they are wilted, about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice. Garnish with a fried egg, if desired.

Step 7

Enjoy your homemade Spicy Thai Basil Chicken!

# Skillet # Spring # No-Cook # Weekend # Avocado

Reviews (17 Reviews)

Quinn Harris5

This is the best recipe I've tried! The balance of flavors is perfect. The Thai basil makes a big difference. Highly recommended.

Alice Smith5

Absolutely fantastic! The flavor was incredible, and the use of fresh Thai basil really makes a difference. The spice level was perfect for me. Highly recommend this recipe!

Rachel Martin3

A good starting point, but I felt like it was missing something. I will try adding a bit more sweetness next time. It was good overall, just not great.

Olivia Jackson4

Really enjoyed this. Easy to adjust the spice to my liking. Quick and tasty weeknight meal.

George Rodriguez5

Best Pad Kra Pao Gai I've ever made! The balance of flavors is perfect. The tip about not overcooking the chicken is crucial. Thank you for sharing this recipe!