Name: Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: Quick 25-Min Flavor Bomb
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves; 2 cups hot cooked rice, for serving; ⅓ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ¼ cup sliced shallots; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot pepper

Spicy Thai basil chicken has been my go-to for a quick weeknight meal that tastes like it came straight from a bustling Bangkok market. I remember the first time I tried authentic Pad Krapow Gai – the explosion of heat from the chilies, the fragrant punch of fresh basil, and the savory depth of the sauce all hit me at once. It was an instant obsession! Now, I love making this homemade Thai basil chicken because it’s so satisfying to recreate that incredible flavor at home in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect when you crave a vibrant, zesty, and deeply flavorful meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic notes that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand.
Super Quick Prep: You can whip up this entire meal in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. This is truly an easy spicy Thai basil chicken.
Family-Friendly Adaptable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s palate, making it a hit with the whole family.
Satisfyingly Simple: The straightforward cooking process ensures success even for beginner cooks, proving it’s an easy spicy Thai basil chicken recipe.
Versatile Serving: Pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Ingredients for Authentic Thai Basil Chicken

Gathering the right Thai basil chicken ingredients is key to achieving that authentic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant stir-fry:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped – Thighs stay wonderfully tender and juicy during the high-heat stir-fry.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for high-heat cooking.
1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves – This is the star! Fresh Thai basil offers a unique anise-like flavor that’s crucial for Pad Krapow Gai.
⅓ cup chicken broth – Forms the base of our savory sauce.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds a rich, savory depth and slight sweetness.
1 tablespoon soy sauce – For that essential umami flavor.
2 teaspoons fish sauce – A pungent, salty sauce fundamental to Thai cooking.
1 teaspoon white sugar – Balances the savory and spicy notes.
1 teaspoon brown sugar – Adds a slight caramel note and depth of sweetness.
¼ cup sliced shallots – Milder and sweeter than onions, shallots add a lovely aromatic base.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic stir-fry aroma and flavor.
2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot pepper – This is where the heat comes from! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for this deliciously spicy chicken with Thai basil.

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: Quick 25-Min Flavor Bomb - Spicy Thai Basil Chicken - main visual representation

How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: First, let’s get our sauce ready for this amazing Pad Krapow Gai recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar until everything is nicely combined. This mixture is the heart of your spicy ground chicken Thai recipe.
Step 2: Now, get your skillet screaming hot! Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s really hot – this is key for a good stir-fry.
Step 3: Add the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Let it heat up for about 30 seconds until it shimmers.
Step 4: Toss in the 1 pound coarsely chopped chicken thighs. Stir-fry them quickly, breaking them up, until they just lose their raw pink color, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the ¼ cup sliced shallots, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies to the pan with the chicken.
Step 6: Continue stir-frying everything together over high heat. You’ll want to keep things moving until you start seeing a little bit of caramelization on the chicken and aromatics, about 2-3 more minutes. This step builds incredible flavor for your spicy ground chicken Thai recipe.
Step 7: Pour about a tablespoon of your prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and stir vigorously. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it starts to caramelize, creating those delicious browned bits.
Step 8: Add the rest of the sauce to the pan.
Step 9: Stir everything well as the sauce hits the hot pan. This helps to deglaze the skillet, lifting all those flavorful bits from the bottom.
Step 10: Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce reduces slightly and beautifully coats the chicken with a glossy, tempting finish, about 1-2 minutes more.
Step 11: Take the pan off the heat immediately. This is crucial for keeping the basil fresh and vibrant.
Step 12: Stir in the 1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves.
Step 13: Toss gently until the basil just wilts, which only takes about 20 seconds.
Step 14: Serve your delicious Spicy Thai Basil Chicken straight away over hot cooked rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

I’ve learned a few tricks to make this stir fry absolutely sing. These tips will help you achieve that restaurant-quality flavor and texture right in your own kitchen:

Always use the highest heat you can safely manage for stir-frying; this creates that signature smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it fries rather than steams, giving you better caramelization.
Fresh Thai basil is non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Regular basil just won’t give you that distinctive anise-like aroma and taste that defines Pad Krapow Gai.
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking; stir-frying is fast, and you won’t have time to chop or mince once things are in the hot pan.

What’s the secret to perfect Pad Krapow Gai?

The real secret to an authentic Pad Krapow Gai recipe lies in using high heat and fresh Thai basil. High heat allows the ingredients to caramelize quickly, building deep flavor, while fresh basil added at the very end keeps its vibrant aroma. For more on the science of cooking, check out this resource.

Can I make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop all your ingredients ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and add the basil just before serving, as the basil wilts very quickly and loses its fresh flavor if cooked for too long.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai holy basil chicken stir fry?

A common mistake is using low heat, which leads to soggy chicken. Another is adding the basil too early; it should be stirred in right at the end, off the heat, to preserve its fresh, aromatic quality.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Chicken with Thai Basil

This vibrant Chicken Krapow recipe is incredibly versatile and shines when served hot. The classic pairing is with fluffy white rice, which perfectly soaks up the delicious, spicy sauce.

For a lighter option, try serving it over steamed cauliflower rice; it’s a fantastic low-carb alternative that still lets the bold flavors of the stir-fry take center stage. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or some pickled radishes to offer a cool, refreshing contrast to the heat. No matter how you serve it, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutrition Facts for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

This flavor-packed dish offers a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving of our Spicy Thai Basil Chicken:

Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 930mg
Cholesterol: 95mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Thai Basil Chicken

Even though this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely store and reheat leftovers of your amazing Thai basil chicken takeout recipe. Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely at room temperature for about an hour before storing. This is important to prevent condensation that can make leftovers soggy. Transfer the cooled chicken into an airtight container.

You can keep your delicious homemade Thai basil chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring minimal air exposure, and it should last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Basil Chicken Dish

What is Pad Krapow Gai?

Pad Krapow Gai is the authentic Thai name for this dish, translating to spicy chicken with Thai basil stir fry. It’s a beloved street food in Thailand, known for its intense flavors and quick preparation. Essentially, it’s a savory and spicy stir-fry featuring ground chicken cooked with garlic, chilies, and holy basil, typically served over rice.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chopped chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground chicken with Thai basil instead of chopped thighs. Ground chicken cooks even faster, so be mindful not to overcook it. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor profile will remain wonderfully authentic to a classic chicken Krapow recipe.

What kind of basil is best for this spicy chicken stir fry Thai style?

For the most authentic flavor, fresh Thai basil (also known as holy basil) is highly recommended. It has a unique, slightly peppery, anise-like flavor that is integral to the dish. While regular Italian basil can be used as a substitute in a pinch, it won’t quite capture the distinctive taste of a true authentic Pad Krapow Gai recipe.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of chilies you use. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before mincing them, as this is where most of the capsaicin (the heat compound) resides. For a very mild version, you might even consider using a milder pepper like red bell pepper for color and omitting the hot chilies altogether.

Variations for the Best Thai Basil Chicken

While the classic Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is incredible, there are several ways to switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to explore:

Low-Carb Delight: For a keto or low-carb version, simply swap the traditional rice for cauliflower rice. The spicy, savory flavors of the chicken still shine through, making it a satisfying alternative.
Vegetarian/Vegan Twist: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Use a vegan oyster sauce and soy sauce to keep it entirely plant-based. This offers a fantastic vegetarian Thai basil chicken recipe.
Spicy Pork or Beef: Don’t have chicken? Feel free to substitute thinly sliced pork loin or beef sirloin for an equally delicious, albeit slightly different, flavor profile.
Creamy Coconut Version: For a richer, milder dish, stir in a quarter cup of coconut milk along with the sauce. This adds a lovely creaminess that balances the heat beautifully, creating a unique take on the spicy basil chicken dish.