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20-Minute Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Chef Emily Carter By Chef Emily Carter
• Published: Sep 21, 2026 (Updated: Oct 04, 2026) • ★ 4.9 (167 ratings)
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20-Minute Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
3 servings
Calories
420 kcal
Cuisine
Thai

A cornerstone of Thailand's vibrant street food scene, Pad Krapow Gai is lightning-fast, explosively savory, and wonderfully fiery. Ground chicken stir-fried with fresh garlic, Thai chilies, and lots of fresh basil.

Keep the Asian-inspired dinner rotation going with our 20-minute Low-Carb Zucchini Pad Thai or savory Butter Chicken.

🍽️ Recommended Pairings & What To Cook Next

Looking to build a complete, crowd-pleasing menu? Pair this delicious dish with our other kitchen-tested favorites:

For more delicious ideas, browse our complete collection of Dinner Recipes!

20-Minute Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

★ 4.9 / 5 (167 reader reviews) Yield: 3 servings

Bold, fiery, and aromatic minced chicken stir-fried with fragrant Holy or Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, crowned with a crispy fried egg. Instant 5-star favorite!

🛒 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1
    Pound garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle.
  2. 2
    Stir-fry garlic-chili paste in smoking hot oil for 30 seconds.
  3. 3
    Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes until done.
  4. 4
    Pour sauce mixture in, tossing rapidly for 2 minutes.
  5. 5
    Turn off heat; stir in fresh basil leaves until wilted.
  6. 6
    Serve over jasmine rice topped with a crispy fried egg with a runny yolk.
💡 Chef's Insider Tip: Turn off heat before adding basil so the essential oils stay aromatic and don't turn bitter.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

420
Calories
38g
Protein
12g
Carbs
24g
Fat
1g
Fiber

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💬 Kitchen FAQs & Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making 20-Minute Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)? Here are chef-tested answers, storage advice, and easy substitutions.

What type of basil is required for authentic Pad Krapow?

Holy basil (Tulsi) with its distinctive peppery, clove-like aroma is traditional. If holy basil is unavailable, Thai sweet basil or Italian sweet basil can be substituted.

Should I use ground chicken or sliced chicken breast?

Ground chicken (or coarsely hand-chopped chicken thighs) is traditional because it cooks in 3 minutes and absorbs every drop of the savory oyster-fish sauce blend.

How do I make the classic crispy fried egg (Khai Dao)?

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok until very hot and shimmering. Crack in the egg; the whites will immediately bubble up with crispy lace edges while the yolk remains rich and runny.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Adjust the quantity of Thai bird's eye chilies. Use 1 chili for mild warmth, 2-3 for medium restaurant heat, and 4-6 for authentic Thai street food heat.

Chef Emily Carter

Recipe Created by Chef Emily Carter

Professional culinary chef and recipe developer with 12+ years of experience crafting foolproof family meals, comfort food classics, and healthy weeknight dinners.

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