Name: Chicken Pad Krapow – Authentic Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 300 g ground chicken; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 red chilies, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes); 15 ml vegetable oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 5 ml brown sugar; 30 ml soy sauce; 15 ml oyster sauce; 5 ml fish sauce (optional but authentic); 1 handful Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if needed); Cooked jasmine rice (for serving); 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

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If you’ve ever walked down a busy street in Bangkok, you’ve probably smelled the irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic, chili, and basil coming from small food stalls.That’s Chicken Pad Krapow — a bold, spicy, and fragrant Thai dish that captures the essence of street food in every bite.

If you love quick Thai-inspired dinners with bold flavor, you’ll also enjoy our Pad Thai, a classic noodle dish that’s always a favorite.

Made with ground chicken, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and fresh Thai basil, this dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with authentic Thai flavor — perfect for when you crave something fast but unforgettable.

🌿 What Makes Chicken Pad Krapow So Special

Unlike most stir-fry dishes, chicken pad krapow is not about complexity — it’s about intensity. The flavor comes from balancing salty, sweet, spicy, and herbal notes in one sizzling wok.

The combination of garlic and red chili creates the signature heat, while the Thai basil brings freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. The result? A dish that’s both comforting and explosive with flavor.

Serve it with a fried egg on top, and you’ll have one of the most iconic meals in Thai cuisine — one that’s beloved by locals and travelers alike.

💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Pad Krapow

Use Thai holy basil if you can find it — it has a peppery kick that makes the dish authentic.
Keep the heat high for that smoky, street-style flavor.
Don’t skip the fish sauce — it’s what gives depth to the umami taste.
Want it vegetarian? Swap chicken for tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
For extra spice, drizzle a bit of sriracha or sprinkle crushed chili on top. 🌶️

You can even turn leftovers into a fried rice variation the next day — it’s just as good reheated.

🌏 A Taste of Real Thailand

In Thailand, pad krapow gai (the local name for this dish) is eaten everywhere — from school cafeterias to night markets. It’s known as the ultimate comfort food, loved for its speed, simplicity, and intensity of flavor.

For another fast and spicy dinner idea, try Spicy Thai Noodles, packed with heat and perfect for weeknights.

Every cook has their own twist — some make it extra spicy, others add a touch of sugar or dark soy sauce for color. No matter how you make it, the core idea is always the same: spicy, aromatic, and made with love.

Chicken Pad Krapow is a bold Thai classic packed with basil and chili heat.

Serving chicken pad krapow over jasmine rice topped with a fried egg and basil garnish. 🍳

Chicken Pad Krapow – Authentic Thai Basil Chicken

5 from 1 vote

This Chicken Pad Krapow (Thai Basil Chicken) is an authentic Thai street food classic — spicy, savory, and full of aromatic basil flavor.Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick stir-fry combines ground chicken, garlic, chili, and soy sauce for an irresistible meal served over jasmine rice or topped with a crispy fried egg.

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 510

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

300 g ground chicken
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chilies, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
15 ml vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
5 ml brown sugar
30 ml soy sauce
15 ml oyster sauce
5 ml fish sauce (optional but authentic)
1 handful Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if needed)
Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife & chopping board
Mixing bowl

Method

Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped chili. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the chicken: Add ground chicken. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Add the sauces: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly in the glossy sauce.
Add the veggies: Add chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add the basil: Turn off the heat and toss in Thai basil leaves. Stir until wilted and aromatic.
Serve: Spoon over jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg. The yolk mixed with the spicy sauce makes it unforgettable.

Notes

Use Thai holy basil for authentic flavor.

For a milder version, remove chili seeds or use less chili.

Substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or tofu if preferred.

Best served fresh, but leftovers taste amazing reheated with rice.

💭 Final Thoughts

This chicken pad krapow proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that delivers the perfect mix of spice, aroma, and comfort — exactly what Thai food is all about.

Next time you’re craving something bold and delicious, skip takeout and make this instead. 🍳🌶️
One wok, twenty minutes, and a handful of fresh ingredients — that’s all it takes to bring Thailand’s favorite comfort dish to your table.

If you enjoy Thai basil flavors, Thai Basil Fried Rice is another easy and satisfying recipe that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.

To learn more about Thai cuisine and its rich culinary traditions, check out Wikipedia’s article on Thai cuisine for a deeper dive into the ingredients and regional influences that make dishes like this so special.