Description
Looking for a spicy, savory, and lightning-fast dish to add to your weeknight dinner lineup? Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is one of the best easy dinner ideas you’ll ever try. Bursting with bold flavors, fresh Thai basil, and a hint of heat, this quick stir-fry is incredibly satisfying served over a bed of hot jasmine rice. It’s also a perfect option if you’re in search of healthy food ideas, easy recipes, or delicious meal prep inspiration. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this Thai chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
2 cups Thai basil leaves
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 fresh Thai chilies, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice the chicken, prepare the basil, and mince the garlic and chilies. Slice bell peppers and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar until dissolved.
3. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Stir and cook until nearly cooked through.
4. Push chicken to one side, add garlic and chilies, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add bell peppers and stir everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
6. Pour in the sauce and stir well, letting it bubble for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Turn off the heat, fold in Thai basil and green onions until just wilted.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over jasmine rice.
Notes
For more authentic flavor, try using holy basil if you can find it—it adds a spicy, clove-like aroma.
If you like it spicier, double the chilies or add a spoonful of sambal oelek.
Don’t skip the fish sauce—it’s key to getting that deep, umami-rich flavor typical of Thai cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, pad krapow gai, easy dinner, chicken stir fry, Thai recipes, quick weeknight meal