Description

Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Kra Pao, is a quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry made with ground chicken, aromatic garlic, fiery Thai chilies, and fresh basil leaves. Served over fragrant jasmine rice and optionally topped with a crispy fried egg, this dish delivers spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes in every bite, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Protein

1 pound ground chicken

Vegetables & Herbs

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Thai chilies, sliced (or to taste)
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Sauces & Oils

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

Others

1 teaspoon sugar
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Optional: fried egg for topping

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Instructions

Heat the oil and aromatics: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrance.
Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add onions: Stir in the sliced onion and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly but still retains some crunch.
Incorporate sauces and sugar: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the sauce meld with the chicken.
Fold in basil leaves: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they are just wilted, infusing the dish with their signature aroma.
Serve: Serve the chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a crispy fried egg for added richness and texture. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, substitute with Italian basil, noting that the flavor will be slightly different.
Adjust the amount of Thai chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
For a richer dish, consider topping with a fried egg, which is traditional in many Thai households.
Use dark soy sauce sparingly as it mainly adds color and a touch of sweetness.