Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) Recipe
Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, sautéed with tender chicken and seasoned with savory soy sauce. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for a spicy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–5 fresh red chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and chop the fresh red chilies. Thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Stir-Fry Garlic and Chilies: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, stir-frying briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the wok and stir-fry until fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Dish: Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the savory flavors.
- Add Thai Basil: Fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir quickly until they are wilted and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- Use chicken thigh for juicier, more flavorful meat, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Fresh Thai basil is key for authentic flavor; substitute with holy basil if desired.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for a traditional Thai touch.
- Can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, Pad Kra Pao, Thai stir-fry, spicy chicken, Thai cuisine, quick dinner
