Hey y'all! Craving something spicy, aromatic, and absolutely bursting with Thai flavors? Ground Chicken Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) is your answer! This quick and satisfying stir fry is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you just need to spice things up a bit. Get ready for a luscious blend of savory Chicken, punchy basil, and a tangy sauce—all in just one skillet. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with bold, fresh, and authentic Thai flavors.
- Customizable spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients but tastes like restaurant takeout.
- Hearty enough on its own, but pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a quick salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (preferably palm sugar)
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 generous cup Thai basil leaves (sub with Italian basil if needed)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- Fried eggs, optional but recommended
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop the garlic, slice the chilies and shallot, and wash the Thai basil leaves. Keep everything close by; this recipe cooks fast!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced chilies, and shallot. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns opaque and starts to brown slightly.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Simmer
Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything well to coat the chicken. Pour in ¼ cup of water or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens a bit.
Step 5: Add Basil and Finish
Turn off the heat. Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until just wilted, about 30 seconds. The basil should stay vibrant and aromatic.
Notes
- If you can't find Thai basil, use Italian basil with a small handful of mint for a similar effect.
- Adjust chili quantity for your preferred spice level—2 chilies for mild to medium, 4+ for spicy!
- For a richer sauce, add an extra splash of oyster sauce in Step 4.
Variations
- Vegetarian Pad Krapow: Replace ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- Beef or Pork Pad Krapow: Try ground beef or pork for a heartier, robust version.
- Pad Krapow with Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, green beans, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Bowl (for prepping ingredients)
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until piping hot. Not recommended for freezing, as basil will lose its aroma and texture.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over hot jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic combo.
- Add a crispy fried egg on top (kai dao) to make it extra authentic.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies to balance the heat.
Pro Tips for the Best Pad Krapow
- Use high heat for quick cooking and to keep the chicken juicy.
- Wait until the very end to add Thai basil so it stays fresh and leafy—not soggy.
- Taste and adjust the sauce before adding basil: some like it sweeter, some saltier!
FAQ – Ground Chicken Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes! While Thai basil adds an anise-like flavor, regular (Italian) basil works in a pinch—just add a few mint leaves for a closer match.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat comes from Thai chilies. Use less for a milder dish or remove seeds for less heat. Add more if you love it fiery!
Can I make Pad Krapow ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the stir fry and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh basil and reheat just before serving for best results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and Thai chilies; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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2Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
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3Add the sliced onion and cook for another 2 minutes, until slightly softened.
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4Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry to combine, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and onions.
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5Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted.
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6Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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