If you’re looking for a meal that’s fiercely flavorful, lightning fast, and sure to win over any dinner table, 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is your ticket to weeknight dinner bliss. With its aromatic basil, tender chicken, savory sauces, and spicy chili punch, this Thai classic is all about ingredient harmony that comes together in a sizzling pan—then lands irresistibly atop a bowl of fluffy rice. Whether you’re craving spicy comfort or showing off some easy international flair, keep this recipe handy—your taste buds (and busy schedule) will thank you.

20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Thai classic brings something beautiful—crunch, spice, color, or a pop of fragrance. You won’t need anything fancy, but trust me, these essentials work together to create pure magic.

Brown onion or shallot: Finely diced onion or roughly chopped shallots provide a soft, sweet base and gentle aroma.
Ground chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality ground chicken—it soaks up all the bold flavors and cooks up incredibly tender.
Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic delivers sharp, pungent depth that’s downright addictive.
Thai basil or regular basil: Thai basil offers a distinct peppery kick, but sweet basil is a great backup for fresh vibrance.
Red chili: Roughly chopped red chili provides color and just enough heat to wake up your palate.
Mild hot green pepper: For a rounder, aromatic heat—great for balancing the red chili’s fire.
Avocado oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that lets the ingredients’ flavors shine.
Light soy sauce: Adds salt and umami with a lighter touch—use gluten-free if needed.
Dark soy sauce: A splash deepens the color and adds complex, rich notes; opt for low sodium if you prefer.
Maple syrup or liquid honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance all the savory heat.
Garlic chili sauce or sriracha: For customizable spice—pick your go-to hot sauce, or dial up/down as you like.
Oyster sauce: This brings glossy texture and a savory, slightly briny depth typical in Thai stir-fries.
Fish sauce: A cornerstone of Thai cooking, adding incomparable umami punch and authentic flavor.
Uncooked rice: Fluffy jasmine or any white rice is the perfect canvas for your saucy chicken.
Green onion: Thinly sliced for that pop of brightness and crunch as a garnish.
More basil leaves: Scatter extra fresh leaves over top for a final fragrant hit.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle adds subtle nuttiness and a pretty finish.
Prawn crackers: For a fun, crunchy side that makes things extra special.
Fried eggs: Sunny-side up and runny-yolked, these eggs complete the iconic Thai street food vibe.

How to Make 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow)

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Chilies

Start by finely chopping your garlic cloves and the green chilies—either with a sharp knife or a handy garlic press. The smaller you chop, the more flavor will infuse into the dish, so don’t be shy about getting precise. If you want an extra restaurant feel, keep those ingredients separate and ready to toss in as soon as your pan is hot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Build Aroma

Heat a splash of avocado oil in a nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onions or shallots. Sauté for a couple of minutes until translucent and soft—then follow with your prepped garlic and green chili. The sizzling, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen is your green light that it’s time for chicken. If your pan looks dry, don’t hesitate to add a touch more oil—fragrance and even cooking are the goal here.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

After about 30 seconds with the aromatics, slide in your ground chicken. Break it up with your spatula and cook until there’s no pink left—be patient, but don’t overdo it, as ground chicken can dry out quickly. You’re aiming for juicy, tender morsels that are beautifully infused with those garlicky, spicy flavors.

Step 4: Add Sauces, Chili, and Basil

Time to add the powerhouse flavors: stir in both soy sauces, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce along with the red chili and most of your chopped basil. This is the heart of your 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow)—watch as everything turns glossy, deeply colored, and oh-so aromatic.

Step 5: Wilt the Basil and Adjust Sauce

Stir everything just until the basil wilts and has released its peppery fragrance, keeping the greens vibrant. If things look a bit too dry, a splash of water will help create that luscious, sauce-clinging consistency that makes this dish extra spoonable over rice.

Step 6: Plate, Garnish, and Serve

Spoon your stunning Thai Basil Chicken onto steaming hot rice, then top each serving with a crispy fried egg. Don’t forget those prawn crackers on the side, and add a flurry of green onion, extra basil, and sesame seeds on top. Dinner is ready—in less time than it takes to order takeout!

How to Serve 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow)

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced green onions, and a scatter of toasted sesame seeds bring lively color and fresh crunch. A hot, runny-yolked fried egg turns every bite creamy and rich, while a few prawn crackers offer textural fun and soak up sauce like magic—no garnish is ever just an afterthought here!

Side Dishes

This 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is bold enough to star solo, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but try cucumber salad or pickled veggies for a tangy, cooling foil. If you want a more spread, sautéed greens, charred broccolini, or even simple miso soup all fit right in.

Creative Ways to Present

You can turn this meal into a vibrant rice bowl, packed with fresh herbs and crispy shallots. Serving it in lettuce cups for a lighter, party-ready starter always wows, and it also makes a fun filling for Asian-inspired tacos or lettuce wraps! For an extra-special touch, present everything “family style” on a big platter so everyone gets to build their own perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) left, transfer it to an airtight container and let cool before popping it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get deeper and more delicious overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Portion the chicken mixture (sans rice and garnishes) into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to a month; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Rice can be frozen separately if you’re prepping future meals.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, gently warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture. For microwave fans, cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring between bursts. Save your extra basil and garnishes for after reheating to keep them tasting fresh and lively.

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even beef all work beautifully. Crumbled tofu is a great vegetarian sub; just adjust cook time and sauce amounts as needed.

What’s the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?

Thai basil offers a distinct peppery, slightly anise-like flavor, while sweet (Italian) basil is milder and sweeter. Thai basil really makes this dish pop, but regular basil still delivers wonderful fragrance if that’s what you have.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s customizable! Use fewer or milder chilies if you want gentle heat, or add extra chili sauce for a fiery kick. It’s easy to tweak to suit every spice lover—or avoider—in your crew.

Can I make 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) gluten free?

Definitely. Just swap in gluten free soy sauce and double check your oyster and fish sauces for wheat—most mainstream brands now offer gluten free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!

What type of rice works best?

Classic Thai jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that savory-sweet sauce, but any fluffy white rice (or even brown rice for extra fiber) will work. Leftover cold rice? That’s perfect for speedy fried rice, too.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) in your own kitchen—it really is a crowd-pleaser that rewards you with big, bold flavors in no time at all. It’s easy, fresh, and totally crave-worthy. Give it a try and let this dish spark a little extra joy in your weeknight dinner routine!

20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) Recipe