Fragrant Thai Basil Chicken Recipe – Easy 20-Minute Stir-Fry

Fragrant Thai Basil Chicken, known as Pad Kra Pao Gai, is one of Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes. It’s spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic thanks to the fresh Thai basil that defines its character.

This quick stir-fry brings together juicy ground chicken, garlic, and chilies simmered in a deep umami-rich sauce that clings to every bite. Served hot over steamed jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg, it’s the perfect example of bold flavors balanced beautifully — just like authentic Thai cuisine.

Why Thai Basil Makes This Dish Irresistible

The key to this dish’s signature aroma is Thai holy basil, known for its peppery, anise-like fragrance. Unlike sweet Italian basil, it adds heat and depth that complements the salty-sweet sauce.

Meanwhile, a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce builds a rich, savory backbone. The quick high-heat stir-fry seals in the flavors, giving you a restaurant-quality dish in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients List

Serves 3–4

1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Optional topping:

Fried egg (sunny-side up), lime wedge, and sliced cucumber

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, mince the garlic, slice the chilies, and chop the onion.
Rinse and dry your Thai basil leaves gently.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and chilies, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
Then, toss in the onion and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Next, add ground chicken to the wok. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Continue stirring for 5–6 minutes until the chicken turns golden and starts to caramelize slightly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Pour this mixture over the chicken, stirring well to coat evenly.
Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Basil

Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves and chili flakes if using.
Toss quickly until the basil wilts and releases its fragrance — this happens fast, in about 20–30 seconds.

Remove from heat immediately.

Pro Tip:

For that authentic wok aroma (“wok hei”), cook everything quickly over high heat. The slight sear deepens the flavor.

Flavor Variations

Mild & Sweet: Substitute bell peppers for chilies and add pineapple chunks.
Extra Spicy: Double the chilies and drizzle a little sriracha at the end.
Ground Beef or Tofu: Swap out chicken for another protein for variety.
Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fragrant Thai Basil Chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Top with a crispy fried egg, letting the yolk mingle with the spicy sauce — it’s a Thai comfort food classic.

You can also serve it with noodles or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Keeps up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Using sweet basil instead of Thai basil – it changes the flavor completely.
Overcooking the basil – add it last and remove from heat immediately.
Skipping high heat – the stir-fry should sizzle, not steam.
Adding sauce too early – let the chicken brown first for deeper flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Authentic Thai flavors with simple pantry ingredients
Quick 20-minute prep – perfect for busy weeknights
Naturally dairy-free and high in protein
Balanced heat, sweetness, and umami
Versatile with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps

Final Thoughts

This Fragrant Thai Basil Chicken brings the heart of Thai street food straight to your kitchen. It’s spicy, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make — the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Serve it hot, top it with a golden fried egg, and enjoy the bold, fresh flavors that make Thai cuisine so loved worldwide.

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