Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
Authentic Thai basil chicken with ground chicken, fresh basil, and spicy garlic sauce. 35g protein, ready in 15 minutes. Better than takeout.
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
Authentic Thai basil chicken with ground chicken, fresh basil, and spicy garlic sauce. 35g protein, ready in 15 minutes. Better than takeout.
Nutrition Per Serving
Need different macros? Use our free Calorie & Macro Calculator
Ingredients
- 400g Ground chicken
- 1 large bunch Fresh Thai basil leaves
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 2-4 (to taste) Thai chilies
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 140g (dry) Jasmine rice (to serve)
Instructions
-
1
Prep aromatics
Mince garlic and Thai chilies together until almost a paste. This releases maximum flavor.
-
2
Cook chicken
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over very high heat. Add garlic-chili paste, stir 15 seconds until fragrant. Add ground chicken, breaking it up. Cook 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
-
3
Season
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry 2 minutes until sauce coats the chicken and starts to caramelize slightly.
-
4
Add basil and serve
Kill the heat. Add Thai basil leaves and stir until just wilted (about 30 seconds — the residual heat does the work). Serve immediately over jasmine rice.
15-Minute Thai Basil Chicken — A Weeknight Staple
Pad Kra Pao (Thai basil chicken) is Thailand's most popular street food — and for good reason. It takes 15 minutes, uses affordable ingredients, and delivers a punch of flavor that's addictive from the very first bite. This ground chicken stir-fry is savory, slightly sweet, and as spicy as you want it to be.
At 35g of protein and 440 calories (served with rice), it's a quick, macro-friendly dinner that beats any takeout order — both in taste and nutrition. The combination of garlic, chilies, soy, and fresh basil creates layers of flavor that are far more complex than the simple ingredient list suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
In a pinch, yes — but the flavor will be different. Thai basil has a distinctive anise/licorice note that Italian basil doesn't. If you can find it at an Asian grocery store, it's worth the trip.
How spicy is this?
That's entirely up to you. Two Thai chilies give a moderate kick. For mild, use one or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes. For Thai-restaurant spicy, use 4-6.
What protein can I substitute?
Ground pork is the most traditional alternative. Ground turkey works for leaner macros. Firm tofu (crumbled) works for a vegetarian version — press it first and cook a bit longer to get some color.
Can I make this ahead and reheat?
Cook everything except the basil. Reheat in a hot pan and stir in fresh basil right before serving — it wilts in seconds. Reheated basil turns black and bitter, so always add it fresh at the end.
What if I can't find oyster sauce or fish sauce?
For oyster sauce, use hoisin sauce mixed with a splash of soy sauce. For fish sauce, use extra soy sauce with a tiny pinch of sugar. The flavor won't be identical, but the dish will still taste great.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let us know how it turned out for you! Share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #aimealplan.
Reviews
Leave a Review
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
