This Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) is quick, budget-friendly, and tastes just like your favorite Thai takeout. All ingredients can be found at a regular grocery store. Serve it over jasmine rice, with noodles, or straight from the pan—this dish is that good.
If you enjoy Thai flavors, try other easy chicken recipes from the same collection such as Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a simple Marinade for Thai Chicken, and Thai Chicken Salad. These recipes are versatile and family-friendly.
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Thai basil chicken stir fry is a classic favorite. This version is full of tender chicken pieces, crisp onions and peppers, and fragrant basil. It’s simple enough for weeknights and flavorful enough to satisfy takeout cravings.
This recipe is one of the quickest meals to make—about 30 minutes from start to finish. Once your rice is ready, the stir fry comes together in minutes. You don’t need specialty stores; the ingredients are available at most supermarkets.
Basil Chicken Stir Fry Video Tutorial
Key Ingredients
- Chicken – Chicken breast is used here, but thighs or ground chicken also work well.
- Red pepper – Red bell pepper is preferred for color and sweetness, though any bell pepper will do.
- Soy sauce – Use your preferred variety.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar balances the savory flavors.
- Basil leaves – Thai basil gives the authentic flavor. If unavailable, sweet (Italian) basil is a good substitute.
- Cornstarch – Optional: mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir in at the end to thicken the sauce.
- Optional spice – Add Thai chilies or a dash of serrano pepper if you want 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 on the outside and nearly cooked through.
- Add the veggies and sauce. Add onions, peppers, and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar and cook until the sauce begins to glaze the meat, 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with basil. Add the basil leaves and cook until the chicken is fully done, the basil is wilted, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Serve. Plate the stir fry over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular sweet basil (often used in Italian dishes) has a milder, sweeter profile. Thai basil has a more pronounced, slightly licorice-like note and a firmer texture. If available, Thai basil is preferred for this dish.
Sweet or Italian basil is the best substitute when Thai basil is not available.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the microwave or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
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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, or until it is golden on the outside and the juices run clear on the inside.
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Stir in the onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook until fragrant—about 1 more minute. Then, pour in the soy sauce and brown sugar and continue to cook until the sauce begins to glaze onto the meat—about 1-2 more minutes.
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Stir in the basil leaves and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through, the basil is wilted, and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
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Serve warm with rice. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reheating: either microwave or reheat 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
- Tikka Chicken Masala
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- More Chicken Recipes
This Basil Chicken Stir Fry (Pad Krapow) is a top takeout favorite you can make at home. It’s fast, affordable, and full of flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.