Authentic Thai Basil Chicken Pad Kra Pao Gai

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that authentic Thai basil chicken you get from your local Thai takeaway? I got you! This thai basil recipe brings all the spicy, savoury goodness right to your kitchen.
It's super fragrant and ready in minutes.
Brief Overview
Pad Kra Pao , originating from Thailand, is known for its bold flavours. This recipe is easy, taking about 25 minutes total. It yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This stir fry packs a punch of flavor and a good dose of protein. It's great for a quick weeknight meal and perfect if you're looking for something a bit different.
Honestly, this dish is special because it's so simple yet so satisfying. Plus, using minced chicken recipes healthy makes it guilt free.
Time to Get Started!
So, what makes this recipe stand out from the rest? I'd say it's the perfect balance of heat and flavour.
When I think of Ground Chicken Thai Recipes , I envision authentic thai street food. Plus the fresh Thai basil makes all the difference.
You can make this thai stir fry recipe easy with these fresh ingredients.
Let's talk about why I love this dish. It all comes down to the amazing flavour combination. The garlic, chilli, and basil create a unique taste that's both comforting and exciting.
Don't skimp on fresh basil it's key to making this authentic Thai basil chicken sing!
One thing I've learned about chicken and basil stir fry recipe is high heat is crucial. Blast that wok and get the ground chicken stir fry recipes cooking fast.
Don't be afraid to add more chillies if you're a spice fiend! If you want to explore Asian ground chicken recipes, this is the perfect place to start.
Now, let’s dive into those all-important ingredients that will turn this dream into a delicious reality!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Thai Basil Recipe Arsenal
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! For this amazing Authentic Thai Basil Chicken , you'll need a few bits and bobs.
Don't worry, it's nothing too cheffy. We're aiming for a quick and easy Thai Stir Fry Recipe Easy here. Honestly, you can find most of this at your local supermarket.
Main Ingredients for Your Pad Kra Pao Recipe
Okay, pay attention now, especially to measurements! This is where things can go sideways if you don't measure correctly.
Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken, cut up. It can be breasts or thighs. I personally prefer thighs because they're juicier, you know?
- 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce low sodium is better.
- 1 tsp (5ml) oyster sauce.
- 1 tsp (5ml) fish sauce don't skip this! It’s essential.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) cornstarch.
- 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) ground white pepper.
The Sauce:
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce, low sodium is better.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) oyster sauce.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauce.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) dark soy sauce (optional). It's just for colour.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sugar. Granulated or palm sugar.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) chicken broth or water.
Stir Fry Goodness:
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable or peanut oil.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced. The fresher, the better!
- 2-4 Thai chillies, chopped. Depends how brave you are!
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional). Adds a sweet crunch.
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves. This is the star!
- 4 fried eggs (optional). But seriously, don’t skip this!
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving.
For the chicken, look for plump, firm pieces. Avoid anything that smells off. Good quality chicken makes a huge difference!
Seasoning Notes for That Authentic Thai Basil Chicken
Here's the deal: Fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce are your holy trinity. This combo gives that real Asian Ground Chicken flavour.
The Thai chillies bring the heat, so add gradually. No Thai basil? Use Italian basil but know it changes the taste a bit.
It still tastes amazing, though!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
- Wok or large skillet. A wok is ideal. But any large pan will do the trick.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife. Make sure it is sharp!
- Measuring spoons and cups.
- Small bowl for mixing sauce.
No wok? No problem! A large frying pan works just fine. Honestly, don't stress too much about fancy equipment. It is Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipes not rocket science.
Now, get those ingredients lined up, and let’s get cooking this Pad Kra Pao Recipe!
Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai) - One Pan Wonder!
Fancy a taste of Thailand? This Authentic Thai Basil Chicken , or Pad Kra Pao Gai, is your ticket! It's a super flavorful stir fry that's basically Thai street food in your kitchen.
Quick, easy, and seriously addictive. It's like a Thai version of our beloved curry pure comfort.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organised. Chop your veggies. Measure out your sauces. This is called mise en place , proper cheffy, innit? Having everything ready to go saves you a mad dash later.
Honestly, prepping like this makes all the difference.
Ingredients at the ready
- Get 450g of chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces.
- Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce , 2 tbsp oyster sauce , 1 tbsp fish sauce , 1 tbsp dark soy sauce , 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp chicken broth in a small bowl and put to the side.
- Get 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves at the ready.
Stir Fry Like a Boss: step-by-step
This is where the magic happens. Trust me, it's easier than ordering takeaway!
- Marinate: Mix your chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce , 1 tsp oyster sauce , 1 tsp fish sauce , 0.5 tsp cornstarch and 0.25 tsp white pepper . Leave it for at least 10 minutes .
- Aromatics: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok (or big pan) over high heat. Fry 4 minced garlic cloves and 2-4 chopped chillies for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch out that garlic doesn't burn.
- Cook the Chicken: Chuck in the marinated chicken and stir fry for 3- 5 minutes , until browned and cooked.
- Veggies: Add 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced bell pepper (if using). Fry for another 2- 3 minutes .
- Sauce Time: Pour in that amazing sauce you made earlier. Stir fry for 1- 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Basil Bonanza: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in that 1 cup fresh Thai basil . It should wilt quickly.
- Serve: Serve over cooked jasmine rice. Don't forget the fried egg if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pad Kra Pao Recipe:
Want to take your Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry to the next level?
- High Heat is Key: Seriously, crank up the heat! You want that smoky wok hei flavour.
- Add Basil Last: Stir it in right at the end to keep it vibrant and tasty.
- Taste and Adjust: This is your Pad Kra Pao! Add more chilli if you like it hot. More sugar if you want it sweeter. Trust your taste buds.
Honestly, Thai Basil Recipe is a winner. And if you love Recipes Made With Ground Chicken , you can easily swap it out here.
I've even seen people using Asian Ground Chicken for it. Give it a whirl!. You know, sharing food with friends is one of life's simple pleasures, and this dish? It's a proper crowd pleaser.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Awesome Thai Basil Recipe
Right, so you’re about to make this banging thai basil recipe ! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a proper success.
Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I tried it!
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so presentation matters, right? I like to serve my Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry in a bowl with a generous mound of fluffy jasmine rice.
Top it with that crispy fried egg sunny side up, of course! The runny yolk mixing with the sauce? Oh my gosh, heaven! A simple side of sliced cucumber really cuts through the richness too.
If you are looking for recipes made with ground chicken you are in the right place, but keep in mind that you can change the protein as well.
As for drinks, a cold Singha beer is classic, but a Thai iced tea is also a winner. It is really one of the best Ground Chicken Thai Recipes and you will see, so don´t feel intimidated!
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), whack them in an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended as the basil can go a bit sad and soggy. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave is fine, but for best results, stir fry it in a pan with a little oil.
This really gets the flavors singing again. Make sure it's piping hot all the way through. Food safety first, mate!
Playing Around with the Recipe
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Also, if you can get your hands on different proteins, you can adapt the recipe as well.
If you love Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipes , you can use ground pork, or even tofu for a veggie option.
Spring onions or some other seasonal veggie would work wonders in this Thai Stir Fry Recipe Easy . Honestly, it's hard to mess this up!
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
So, each serving of this Authentic Thai Basil Chicken comes in around 450 calories. You get about 35g of protein.
Pretty decent, eh? There's also roughly 25g of fat and 15g of carbs. It's a good source of protein and flavour.
Remember that homemade is always better. This dish is miles better than anything you'll get from a takeaway.
Now, go get cooking! You've got this! And if it's not perfect first time, who cares? Just have fun with it. Plus, now you know the proper Pad Kra Pao Recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find Thai basil for this Thai basil recipe? Is it a total deal breaker?
While Thai basil is definitely the star of the show in a Pad Kra Pao, don't despair if you can't find it. You can substitute with Italian basil in a pinch. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different Italian basil is a bit sweeter and less peppery.
If you do substitute, add a few mint leaves for a touch of that anise like flavor that Thai basil offers.
My Pad Kra Pao isn't spicy enough (or it's too spicy!). How can I adjust the heat level?
Spice is a personal thing, right? To dial up the heat, add more Thai chilies! Start with just one extra chili and taste as you go. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping, or reduce the number of chilies you use.
You can even add a small pinch of sugar to balance the spice if needed; think of it like a culinary seesaw!
Can I make this Thai basil chicken recipe ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?
You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and mix the sauce. However, it's best to cook the dish fresh for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave, but be aware the basil might lose some of its vibrancy.
I'm trying to watch my sodium intake. Any tips for making this Thai basil recipe healthier?
Great question! Sodium can be a bit sneaky in Asian inspired dishes. The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use low-sodium soy sauce and fish sauce. You can also reduce the amount of fish sauce you add, and taste test as you go. Serving with brown rice instead of white rice will add fiber and nutrients.
What kind of protein works best for a Thai basil recipe like this one?
While chicken thighs are my personal favorite because they stay juicy, chicken breast, ground pork, or even tofu work wonderfully in this recipe! If using tofu, be sure to press it well to remove excess water for a better texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on your choice of protein.
Authentic Thai Basil Chicken Pad Kra Pao Gai

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |