My love for a true Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl began on a hot, humid evening in Bangkok. I was wandering through a bustling night market, and the sound of sizzling woks and the incredible aroma of garlic, chili, and basil was everywhere. I stopped at a tiny street stall where a vendor was expertly stir-frying, the flames leaping up from the wok. I ordered what everyone else was having, and a few minutes later, I was handed a simple bowl that would change my life forever.
That first bite was an absolute flavor explosion. It was fiery from the bird’s eye chilies, deeply savory from the fish sauce, and had a unique, peppery, almost licorice-like flavor I’d never tasted before. It was nothing like the tame versions I’d had back home. This was the real deal. I finished the entire thing standing right there and immediately knew I had to learn how to make an authentic Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl for myself.
My first few attempts in my own kitchen were a failure. I used regular Italian sweet basil, not realizing that the key was holy basil (kra pao), which has a completely different, more pungent flavor. My sauce was either too salty or not balanced. It was a frustrating process, but I was determined to recreate that perfect street food experience. Perfecting this Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl became my culinary mission.
This recipe is the triumphant result of that mission. It’s a quick, straightforward method that captures the authentic, vibrant flavors of that Bangkok street stall. It’s built around the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic, creating the ultimate Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl that you can easily make on a busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why you will be obsessed with this Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl recipe:
- Ready in 20 Minutes: It’s a lightning-fast, one-pan meal, making it the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Authentic, Bold Flavor: This recipe doesn’t hold back on the savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors that make this dish a Thai classic.
- A Perfect Balanced Meal: You get protein, carbs, and veggies all in one delicious and easy-to-assemble bowl.
- Better and Faster Than Takeout: It’s quicker, fresher, and more flavorful than any version you can get delivered.
Health Benefits
This Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl is a fantastic example of a balanced and satisfying meal. You get a great source of lean protein from the chicken, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health. Holy basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and the garlic and chilies are packed with beneficial compounds. By making it at home, you have complete control over the amount of oil and sodium, making this a much healthier option than takeout.
The Perfect Occasion for a Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl
This is the ultimate versatile dish for when you need something quick and delicious.
- The Go-To Weeknight Dinner: When you get home late and need a meal on the table fast, this is the perfect answer.
- An Easy Meal Prep Lunch: It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for a week of flavorful and exciting work lunches.
- A Great “Fake-Out Takeout” Night: Save money and impress your family with a homemade version that tastes even better.
- When You’re Craving Something Spicy: This Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a fiery, flavorful meal.
This Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl is your key to a quick, authentic, and incredibly satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand.
Chef’s Notes: Spicy Thai Chicken Stir-Fry
• Use high heat for fast flavor – Stir-frying over high heat sears aromatics and meat quickly, locking in moisture and building wok-charred depth in under 10 minutes.
• Slice aromatics thin for even sizzle – Garlic, shallots, and chilies should be sliced—not minced—to release oils without burning. This creates the signature Thai fragrance.
• Balance heat with sweet and umami – Palm sugar (or honey) softens the chili’s bite, while soy and fish sauce deliver salty depth. Adjust ratios to suit your spice tolerance.
• Deglaze with broth for saucy finish – Chicken broth lifts browned bits and creates a glossy coating. Let it reduce slightly before adding basil to concentrate flavor.
• Add basil last to preserve aroma – Thai holy basil wilts quickly and loses potency if overcooked. Fold it in just before serving for a peppery, herbal lift.
• Customize with protein or veggie swaps – Ground turkey, pork, or tofu all work well. Add bell peppers, green beans, or snap peas for crunch and color.
• Serve with rice to soak up sauce – Jasmine rice is traditional, but cauliflower rice or rice noodles also pair beautifully. A fried egg on top adds richness.
Spicy Thai Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow)
4
servings3
minutes7
minutes295
kcal10
minutesGet ready to ignite your taste buds with this zesty Thai chicken stir-fry! In under 10 minutes, bring the authentic flavors of Thailand into your kitchen with tender ground chicken, aromatic basil, and a perfect balance of heat and umami. This recipe is your shortcut to restaurant-quality dinner that’s vibrant, easy to prepare, and ideal for any weeknight meal. Dive into the fresh taste of basil and the kick of chili peppers combined with savory sauces—simple, exciting, and irresistibly good!
Ingredients
- Sauces Liquids
3 tablespoons light soy sauce for a gentle savory base
1 tablespoon fish sauce to add authentic umami saltiness
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken stock or water to deglaze and keep flavors moist
- Proteins Aromatics
1 pound lean ground chicken finely crumbled for even cooking
5 cloves fresh garlic thinly sliced to release fragrant oils
3 medium shallots thinly sliced for gentle sweetness
3 to 4 red bird’s eye chilies or milder Holland chilies thinly sliced (seeds removed optional for less heat)
- Finishing Touches
1 tablespoon coconut or vegetable oil suitable for high-heat cooking
1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves roughly torn to maintain bright herbal aroma
- Alternative Ingredients
Ground turkey or lean pork as a substitute for ground chicken
Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option
Lime juice can replace fish sauce for vegetarian adaptation
Agave syrup or brown sugar alternative to replace honey or palm sugar
Kale or spinach as a substitute for Thai basil if unavailable
Olive oil or avocado oil as cooking oil alternatives
Directions
- Aromatics Preparation – Start by heating oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Toss in sliced garlic, shallots, and chilies and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step creates the foundational aroma that defines Thai cooking. (Approx 2 minutes)
- Protein Searing – Add the ground chicken to the wok. Stir continuously, breaking the meat up into small pieces to ensure even browning. Cook for about 2 minutes until the chicken fully changes color. High heat is key to quick cooking and preserving juiciness. (Approx 2 minutes)
- Flavor Balancing – Mix in the palm sugar (or honey), soy sauce, and fish sauce, stirring for an additional minute. These ingredients contribute a harmonious fusion of salty, sweet, and savory notes. (Approx 1 minute)
- Deglazing and Basil Addition – Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom; this adds depth to the sauce. Let the liquid evaporate over high heat, then fold in the torn basil leaves. Stir-fry briskly until basil is just wilted but vibrant. (Approx 2 minutes) Optional: adjust heat or add extra chilies if you want more spice.
- Serving Suggestion – Plate immediately, ideally alongside steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, garnish with a fried egg or cucumber slices if you like.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- wok or nonstick pan
- measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
Notes
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 295kcal
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 930mg
- Potassium: 740mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Vitamin A: 34IU
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 1.6mg
FAQs: Spicy Thai Chicken Stir-Fry
can i use sweet basil instead of Thai basil
Yes. Sweet basil works in a pinch, but lacks the spicy, anise-like punch of Thai holy basil.
how spicy is this
Moderate to hot, depending on chilies used. Remove seeds or use milder chilies to tone it down.
can i use pre-ground chicken
Yes. Just break it up well in the pan to ensure even browning and texture.
can i use other greens
Yes. Kale, spinach, or even bok choy can be added, though they’ll change the flavor profile.
can i use bottled stir-fry sauce
You can, but the homemade mix of soy, fish sauce, and sugar is more authentic and customizable.
More Recipes
Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice
Difficulty: EasyGet ready to fire up the wok and ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice! Bursting with fragrant jasmine rice, tender protein, crisp scallions, and a trio of savory sauces, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight hero—easy, healthy, and infinitely customizable. Try it tonight and experience that irresistible takeout flavor right at home!
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