Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, or Gai Pad Krapow, is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings the heat and flavor of Thai cuisine to your kitchen. Known for its bold combination of spicy chilies, savory garlic, and fresh basil, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat, sweet, and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers a flavorful punch in every bite.
The star ingredient of this dish is the fresh basil, which adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that is essential to the authentic taste of Thai basil chicken. The chicken is typically stir-fried with garlic, shallots, and Thai bird’s eye chilies, creating a flavorful base. The heat from the chilies is tempered by a savory sauce made with soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a perfect balance of spicy, salty, and sweet notes.
One of the key components that elevate this dish is the crispy bits of chicken, which are stir-fried to perfection. The crispy edges paired with the tender, juicy chicken create a delightful texture that complements the bold sauce. Adding a fried egg on top of the dish is a common practice in Thailand, adding richness and an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by using fewer or more chilies. The dish is typically served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps to balance the heat and soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also great with a side of stir-fried vegetables, making it a complete meal that is satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.
This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spicy chilies, savory garlic, and aromatic basil creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken breast minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pieces Thai chilies sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and Thai chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the minced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Thai basil leaves and continue to cook until they are wilted.
- Serve hot, usually over rice with a fried egg on top.
Nutrition










Yummy😋! Could eat this every day!! Made a big batch and shared with friends!
Very easy to make and delicious! My kids loved it.
This was AMAZING! The flavors were spot on. Will make again!
Is this really Thai food? It just tastes like soy sauce. Meh.
Why do ppl like fish sauce? It smells weird! I’d rather just use soy sauce.
I dunno, I feel like thi recipe is missing some flavors, like lime or something, ya know?
Yummy! Reminds me of my trip to Thailand! Eat it with a fried egg for real.
This was amazing!!! The flavor is on point! Definitely a go-to recipe now.
Simple and delicious, but why is there fish sauce? Can’t we just use soy sauce?
Yum! What can I say? Thai food is the best. 🌶️
Quick and tasty! I love basil! 🌿
Cooked it for the first time and it was a disaster 😩. Way too salty!
I made it but got confused with the fish sauce. It’s so weird! What is that even???
How do you make it less spicy? This burned my mouth!
Sounds good but I don’t have oyster sauce. Can I use soy sauce only? Help!
This is the best chicken recipe! I added more chilies. So good!
This looks complicated… I might stick to takeout lol.
Used chicken thighs instead because they were on sale, turned out great!
Chicken thighs are a good substitute! I’ve done that before too, they stay juicier.
I don’t think this is authentic. Real Thai food uses way more chilies! This was too mild for my taste.
I get where you’re coming from, but not all Thai dishes are super spicy. This one is more about the flavor of the basil! 🌿
Yum! I never knew about Thai basil until now. This was a game changer for me.
This recipe was awesome! The flavors are just perfect. Definitely making it again!
I’m so glad you liked it! The flavors are just unbeatable. What do you plan to serve it with next time?
Cool! But why is it called spicy? I didn’t think it was that hot. Maybe I did somethin’ wrong?
Where do I find Thai basil? I looked everywhere and only found the regular stuff. Help!
You can usually find Thai basil at Asian grocery stores. They often have it fresh! Good luck!
I tried it but it was too spicy for my taste. I might reduce the chilies next time.
My family loved it! I served it with rice and a fried egg, just like the recipe said!
This is not really authentic.. where’s the lime? 🤔
Isn’t fish sauce made from fish? I really couldn’t taste it lol. Still good tho.
Just like my mom makes! Brings back sweet memories of Thailand. ❤️
This sounds amazing! I love Thai food! Can’t wait to try it.
This was amazing! So full of flavor. Will make again.
Was expecting better. Seemed a little bland. Needs more seasonin.
Quick and easy! Made it in 20 mins. Great for busy nights.
Super easy to make and so tasty! My kids loved it too. Will definitely make again!
Could you use chicken thighs instead of breast? Might make it juicier!
Wife loved it, me not so much. Too spicy for my taste. But I guess that’s personal.
I totally get it! Spicy food really isn’t for everyone. But glad your wife enjoyed it!
Too spicy? You must’ve used too many chilies! 😂 Next time, just adjust the amount!
I don’t think fish sauce is necessary. Didn’t like the smell of the dish.
I don’t get why everyone loves this. It’s just chicken and spices. 🤷♂️
Maybe you just haven’t tasted it right? It’s so flavorful with all the sauces and spices! 🌶️
Not bad, but I’m not much of a cook. Took me ages to prep all that!
Super easy to make! I added some veggies too. Yum!
Delicious! 🔥🔥 Want to eat it every day!
This is simple! I didn’t have thai basil so used regular basil – still tasted great, haha!
This was amazing! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too! 😍
This sounds good but I dunno if my kids will eat it with all that spice. Maybe I’ll try less chilies?
I followed the recipe but it turned out too spicy for me! Maybe less chilies next time.
Yeah, Thai food can be really spicy. I suggest using just one chili next time, or maybe even bell peppers for flavor without the heat! 🍳
Spicy? I thought it was perfect! But I guess everyone has their own tolerance. Just adjust it to your taste next time.
I don’t think it tastes like Thai food. Needs something more. Maybe coconut milk?
I actually think it’s pretty close! The flavors are strong, but I can see how it might feel lacking. Coconut milk could definitely add a creamier texture! 🤔
Nah, I love it just the way it is! Don’t mess with perfection! But hey, you do you. 🤷♂️
I tried it but felt it needed more spice. Maybe add more chilies next time?
Success! But missed the fried egg. A must-have for sure next time.
Too salty and my chicken was tough. Not sure if I did it wrong, but it was a no-go for me.
This is my go-to recipe for a quick dinner! So easy and packs a punch. Love it!
I just threw it all together, not sure if I did it right, but it tasted alright haha!
I don’t know what I did wrong, but mine turned into a mushy mess. Help!
Pretty good! But I’m allergic to chicken so I used tofu instead and it was still nice.
Glad the tofu worked out for you! I’ve heard it can be a great substitute. Gonna try it next time!
Yeah but tofu ain’t the same as chicken, right? Like, it’s still good but, you know, different vibes. 🤔
This was super spicy! I should have gone easy on the chilies!
I know right! The chilies can be killer. Next time, maybe try just one? 😅
Not spicy enough for my taste. I added more chilies and it was better.
I totally agree! I added extra chilies too and it made a huge difference. Spicy food is the best!
Wasn’t sure about the fish sauce at first but it really brings out the flavor! Gonna make this again!
I ain’t got no Thai basil, used regular basil instead. Still tastes alright.
Went to Thailand once and had this dish, this recipe brings back memoreez!
Great recipe! But are Thai chilies really necessary? I used bell peppers instead.
Delicious recipe! I didn’t have Thai basil but used regular basil instead. Still yummy!
5 stars! I added some lime juice at the end and it’s perfect for summer!
Pretty good, but my wife said it tasted weird. Not sure if I’ll make it again.
Maybe your wife just isn’t a fan of strong flavors? I think it’s delicious!
Weird tasting? I loved it, but guess everyone’s palate is different. Did you follow the recipe?
I found it a bit too spicy for my taste. Maybe less chilies next time?
So good I could eat this every day! Those flavors are just perfect!
Sooo simple and delicious! I used leftover chicken and it turned out great.
Spicy but not burning! Just perfect for me. I’m making it again tomorrow!
Wow, who knew such simple ingredients could make something this good??? 😍
I loved the basil flavor! This recipe is authentic and just like what I’ve had in Thailand.
Totally agree! The basil really makes it shine. Thai food is the best!
Authentic? I’m not so sure… I thought Thai basil was supposed to taste different? 🤔
Yummy!!!
why do you need sugar in chicken?? that’s just strange. Didn’t taste right.
Don’t trust this recipe! My chicken ended up raw. Gross!
Tasty! But didn’t have basil, used spinach and it still turned out okay.
Could’ve been better. The fish sauce is overpowering – next time I’ll skip it.
Too much basil! I had to add more chicken just to balance it out. 3 stars.
My family loved this! Definitely a keeper in my recipe book.