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Irresistible Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Homemade Pad Krapow

thai basil chicken stir-fry - featured image

A quick and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry that combines spicy, savory sauce with tender ground chicken and fresh Thai basil, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (450 g)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (loosely packed)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 fresh red chilies, sliced (bird’s eye chilies preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (naturally brewed)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian alternative for vegetarian version)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • Optional: 1 fried egg per serving

Instructions

  1. Mince garlic, slice chilies, and pluck Thai basil leaves from stems; set aside (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (1-2 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic and sliced chilies; stir frequently for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, avoiding burning the garlic.
  4. Add ground chicken; break apart with spatula and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until mostly cooked and no longer pink.
  5. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and light brown sugar in a small bowl; pour over chicken and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes to reduce sauce slightly.
  6. Turn off heat and immediately toss in fresh Thai basil leaves; stir just enough to wilt leaves (about 30 seconds).
  7. Serve stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice; top with a fried egg if desired.

Notes

Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Add basil off the heat to preserve its aroma. Adjust chili levels to taste. For a saucier dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water before adding basil. Fried egg with runny yolk adds authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, Pad Krapow, Thai stir-fry, ground chicken recipe, quick dinner, spicy chicken stir-fry