Description
Spicy, savory, and bursting with fresh herbaceous flavor, this Thai Basil Chicken recipe (Pad Krapow Gai) is the perfect quick dinner idea for busy nights. With tender chicken, garlic, chilies, colorful bell peppers, and authentic Thai basil tossed in a rich umami sauce, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality Thai food straight to your table. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy snacks, or fast stir-fry options, this dish checks every box. Serve it over jasmine rice or top it with a crispy fried egg for a next-level weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 Thai red chilies, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
0.5 cup green onions, sliced diagonally
1 cup Thai basil leaves
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
steamed jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch for 10–15 minutes.
2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté garlic and chilies for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Add bell peppers and green onions; stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat everything evenly.
8. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Turn off the heat and stir in Thai basil until wilted.
10. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, use fresh Thai basil—not regular sweet basil.
Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference; remove seeds to reduce spiciness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get a proper stir-fry texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: thai basil chicken, pad krapow gai, quick dinner, stir fry recipe, easy thai recipe, spicy chicken dish