There’s something magical about dishes that are quick to prepare, full of bold flavors, and yet feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Spicy Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is one of those comfort meals that I keep coming back to—especially on busy weeknights or when I’m craving a takeout-style dinner that I can whip up at home in under 30 minutes.

This dish holds a special place in Thai cuisine and in the hearts of many who’ve tasted it. In Thailand, Pad Krapow is a beloved street food staple—fragrant, spicy, and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you’d find sizzling away at roadside stalls, often served over hot jasmine rice and crowned with a crispy fried egg. The moment the basil hits the hot pan, it releases an aroma that’s nothing short of intoxicating.

What I love most about this dish is its beautiful balance. The fiery heat of chilies, the earthy aroma of garlic, the sweet-savory sauce that coats every bite of juicy ground chicken (or in our version, minced chicken), and of course—the star ingredient—Thai basil. It’s a simple recipe, but it sings with flavor, and it comes together in a flash.

Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or already a fan, this recipe is an easy, delicious place to start. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or anytime you want a quick trip to Thailand—right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
• Big on flavor: Bold, savory, spicy, and aromatic.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level, swap proteins, and serve with rice or noodles.
• Better than takeout: Fresher ingredients, less oil, and more flavor.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup required!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 400g chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3–4 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• A handful of fresh Thai basil leaves

HOW TO MAKE SPICY BASIL CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep everything before you start cooking.

This dish moves fast, so it’s best to have all your ingredients chopped and ready. Finely mince your garlic and chilies (you can use a mortar and pestle for more authentic texture), slice your onion and bell pepper, and keep the sauces within reach. Don’t forget to rinse and pluck your Thai basil leaves—they’re the finishing touch!

Step 2: Heat up your pan.

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chilies. Stir-fry quickly—this is where the fragrance starts! You’ll know you’re on the right track when the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky chili aroma.

Step 3: Add onion and bell pepper.

Toss in the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened, but still vibrant.

Step 4: Cook the chicken.

Now add your minced chicken. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, so it browns evenly. Keep stir-frying until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink—about 5–6 minutes.

Step 5: Add the sauces.

Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauces, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Add Thai basil.

Turn off the heat and throw in the Thai basil leaves. Give it a final stir—the residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly and release all its beautiful aroma.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy.

Spoon the spicy basil chicken over a bed of hot steamed rice, and if you want to go full Thai street food style, top it with a crispy fried egg. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with fewer chilies. You can always add chili flakes at the end.
• No Thai basil? Substitute with regular basil, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Crispy egg topping: For that authentic Thai touch, fry an egg in hot oil until the edges are golden and crispy—it pairs so well with the spicy chicken.
• Protein swaps: This recipe works well with minced turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Rice matters: Jasmine rice is traditional and pairs beautifully with this dish, but you can also try it with brown rice or rice noodles.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Dairy-Free

NOTES:

• If using regular basil instead of Thai basil, add it at the last second and use a bit less since the flavor is stronger.
• Make it a meal prep option by doubling the recipe and portioning it into containers with rice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the number of chilies, or use a milder variety like red Fresno peppers.

Can I use ground turkey or beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or beef works great and still soaks up all the flavor from the sauce.

What if I don’t have fish sauce?
You can substitute with extra soy sauce, though fish sauce adds a unique depth that’s hard to match.

Is Thai basil the same as regular basil?
Not quite—Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor. It’s worth seeking out for this recipe!

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Not ideal for freezing, as the basil can lose its flavor and texture.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
• Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo – A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
• Native Jollof Rice (Iwuk Edesi)
• Sausage Rigatoni

CONCLUSION

Spicy Basil Chicken is one of those dishes that reminds you how good home-cooked food can be—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and just enough heat to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or to impress friends with your Thai cooking skills, this recipe will never disappoint. Once you get a taste, you’ll understand why it’s a classic. So grab a wok, some fresh basil, and get cooking—you’ve got a delicious adventure waiting for you.

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