Savor the Flavor: Quick 10-Minute Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand straight into your kitchen without spending hours cooking, this Quick 10-Minute Thai Basil Chicken — also known as Gai Pad Krapow — is your answer. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a dish that balances sweet, salty, savory, and spicy elements while celebrating the aromatic punch of fresh basil. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe proves that authentic Asian flavors can be fast, simple, and incredibly satisfying.

Thai Basil Chicken is beloved for its quick stir-fry method, tender protein, and bold sauce that clings to every bite. Using high heat and fresh herbs ensures that the dish is vibrant and fragrant, reminiscent of street food in Bangkok. Served over steamed rice, it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Whether you prefer chicken, turkey, pork, or even a plant-based alternative, this recipe is versatile, flavor-packed, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights
• Bursting with authentic Thai flavors and aromas
• Protein-rich and naturally low in carbohydrates
• Easily adjustable spice levels using chilies
• Flexible with different proteins or vegan substitutions
• Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 350 per serving

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water

For the Chicken Stir-Fry

• 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey/pork)
• 2 medium shallots, sliced (or red onion as alternative)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
• 3–4 Thai bird chilies (or Holland chilies for less heat)

For the Fresh Herbs

• 1 cup holy basil or Thai basil (Italian basil can be used as substitute)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Wok
• Large skillet
• Wooden spatula or spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Properly preheating the wok ensures a crisp, flavorful stir-fry and prevents sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Wok

Place the wok over high heat for about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil and let it shimmer. High heat is essential to achieve the characteristic sear and aroma of stir-fried dishes.

2. Cook Aromatics

Toss in 3–4 Thai bird chilies, sliced shallots, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step releases the aromatic foundation of the dish.

3. Add the Chicken

Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the wok. Break it apart as it cooks for approximately 2 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.

4. Add Sauce Components

Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon fish sauce. Cook for another minute while the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

5. Deglaze with Broth

Pour in 2 tablespoons chicken broth to deglaze the wok. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and cook for 1–2 more minutes. This adds depth of flavor and ensures nothing is wasted.

6. Add Basil

Finally, add 1 cup fresh basil and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until the leaves just wilt. Remove from heat immediately to preserve freshness and aroma.

7. Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with extra chilies or a fried egg for a traditional Thai touch.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the number of chilies.
• Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for variety.
• For a vegan version, use mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce and plant-based protein.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Flavor Profile & Texture

Thai Basil Chicken is a medley of bold and contrasting flavors. Sweetness from sugar balances the salty depth of soy and fish sauce. Garlic and shallots contribute aromatic warmth, while fresh basil adds a herbal, slightly peppery bite. The chilies provide heat that can be adjusted to taste.

The texture is tender and juicy chicken, slightly crisped aromatics, and soft, fragrant basil leaves — all coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 400IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 2mg

High in protein and low in carbs, this dish is both filling and suitable for balanced meals.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Slice shallots and mince garlic in advance for faster cooking.
• Pre-measure sauce ingredients to streamline stir-frying.
• Cook in batches if preparing for meal prep; store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I reduce the heat?

Yes. Replace Thai bird chilies with Holland chilies or remove seeds to lower spiciness.

Can I use fresh basil substitutes?

Italian basil works in a pinch, but Thai or holy basil provides authentic flavor.

Can this be served with noodles?

Yes, serve over rice noodles instead of rice for variation.

How do I keep chicken tender?

High heat and quick stir-frying prevent dryness. Avoid overcooking.

Can this be frozen?

Freeze the cooked chicken without fresh basil for up to 2 months. Add basil fresh when reheating.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep	5 minutes
Cook	10 minutes
Total	15 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine rice or steamed brown rice for a wholesome meal. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a fried egg to make it more authentic and visually appealing.

Recipe Variations

1. Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or pork.
2. Add bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans for more vegetables.
3. Serve as lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
4. Drizzle with extra chili oil for enhanced heat.

Ingredient Spotlight

Thai Basil

Thai basil offers a unique, peppery flavor with slight anise notes that elevate stir-fried dishes. Look for vibrant green leaves, and add at the very end to retain aroma.

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce delivers umami depth and salty complexity. For a vegan alternative, mushroom or soy sauce works well.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Maintain high heat to achieve quick cooking and flavor concentration.
• Stir continuously to prevent burning aromatics.
• Add basil at the very end to preserve fragrance and color.
• Scrape browned bits during deglazing for added flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

For freezing, store cooked chicken without fresh basil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh basil when reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	8 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, low-carb. Can be adapted for vegan diets.

Expanded Conclusion

Savor the Flavor: Quick 10-Minute Thai Basil Chicken delivers authentic Thai taste in record time. Its vibrant, aromatic profile balances sweet, salty, and spicy elements while keeping the protein tender and juicy.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dish demonstrates that fast cooking doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. Pair with steamed rice, extra fresh basil, or even a fried egg to complete this irresistible Thai-inspired meal.

It’s a simple, quick, and flavorful way to bring a taste of Thailand right to your dinner table.

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