This Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) is quick, affordable, and tastes just like your favorite Thai takeout. All ingredients are available at most grocery stores. Serve it over jasmine rice, with noodles, or enjoy it straight from the pan.
If you enjoy Thai flavors, try our Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Marinade for Thai Chicken, and Thai Chicken Salad. For other simple chicken dinners, check out Easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken and other quick chicken recipes.
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Thai basil chicken stir fry is a weeknight favorite. Tender chicken pieces combine with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and generous basil for a bold, fragrant dish the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe is fast — ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. With a pot of rice cooking, you can have a restaurant-style Thai meal on the table quickly. You don’t need specialty markets; the ingredients can be found at a typical supermarket.
Basil Chicken Stir Fry Video Tutorial
Key Ingredients
- Chicken – Chicken breast works well, but thighs or ground chicken are excellent alternatives.
- Red Pepper – Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness; other bell peppers work too.
- Soy Sauce – Use your preferred variety.
- Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar balances the savory sauce.
- Basil Leaves – Thai basil is ideal for authentic flavor; if unavailable, sweet/Italian basil is the best substitute.
- Cornstarch – Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water for a thicker glaze, if desired.
- Optional Spice – Add Thai chilies or serrano pepper for heat.
How To Make Thai Chicken Stir Fry with Basil
- Cook the chicken. Heat oil in a heavy skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir for 2–3 minutes, until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Add the veggies and sauce. Stir in onions, peppers, and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add soy sauce and brown sugar, and cook until the sauce begins to glaze the chicken, about 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with basil. Stir in the basil leaves and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, the basil wilts, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Serve. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular sweet basil has a familiar Italian-style flavor. Thai basil has a different profile—more compact with sweet notes and a hint of licorice or anise. It provides a distinct aroma often used in Southeast Asian cooking.
If you can’t find Thai basil, substitute sweet or Italian basil for a pleasing result.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave briefly or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup red onion, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 cup red pepper, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a heavy skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir for 2–3 minutes, until golden on the outside and juices run clear.
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Stir in onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar, and cook until the sauce glazes the meat, about 1–2 minutes.
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Stir in basil leaves and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, the basil is wilted, and most liquid has evaporated.
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Serve warm with rice. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reheating: Microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Easy Chicken Recipes
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This Basil Chicken Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) recreates a popular Thai takeout dish at home. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and full of authentic flavor. Serve with rice for a satisfying meal.