Description
Hello food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish, 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is just what you need. This classic Thai recipe, packed with aromatic basil, garlic, and chilies, will become your new go-to meal for weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something exotic and hearty. In this article, I’ll show you how to whip up this savory dish in no time. Let’s dive into the world of vibrant Thai cuisine!
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium green chili, mild heat, chopped
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium and gluten-free if required)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or Sriracha (adjust heat to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Avocado oil for cooking
Optional for serving:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 fried eggs
- Prawn crackers for extra crunch
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating some avocado oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions or shallots and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the garlic and green chili, ensuring you have enough oil to release all the rich aromas. This step lays the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the pan and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Stir frequently to break the chicken into small crumbles. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy but fully cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Basil and Red Chili
Now, add the Thai basil and red chili to the mixture. Stir until the basil wilts but still retains its vibrant green color. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water to create more sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed rice and top with a fried egg for extra creaminess. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and additional basil leaves for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor, though regular basil can work in a pinch. Fresh garlic and chilies elevate the dish’s taste profile.
- Adjust Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or a few extra chilies.
- Substitutions: Ground pork or beef works just as well as chicken in this dish, giving you versatility in protein choices.
- Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the amounts of soy sauce and fish sauce, or add a bit of water while cooking.