This easy Thai Basil Chicken comes together in just 10 minutes with juicy chicken, garlic, fresh basil, and a savory Thai-inspired sauce. It’s a quick, high-protein dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Some recipes earn a permanent spot in my weekly dinner rotation.
Not because they’re fancy.
Not because they take hours to make.
But because they save dinner when life gets busy.
This Thai Basil Chicken is one of those recipes.
In just 10 minutes, the kitchen fills with the aroma of garlic, basil, and savory sauce that instantly reminds me of wandering through Thailand, where Pad Kra Pao is one of the country’s most beloved street foods. Every time I make it, I can’t help thinking about our trips there, from grabbing quick meals between adventures to discovering that some of the simplest dishes are often the most memorable.
👉 If you’d like to read more about our Thailand adventures, check out my Bangkok and Pattaya Travel: What Thailand Was Like Before Grab.
Thankfully, you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy those flavors. Just one hot pan, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is ready before anyone starts asking, “What’s for dinner?”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- One pan means fewer dishes
- Naturally high in protein
- Better than takeout
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to adjust the spice level
What Is Pad Kra Pao?
A short explanation about Thailand’s famous street food, mentioning that authentic versions use holy basil, but Thai basil or even sweet basil still make a delicious home version.
Thai Basil vs. Sweet Basil
This is one of the most common questions. If you can find Thai basil, use it. Its slightly peppery, licorice-like flavor gives the dish its signature taste.
Can’t find it? Regular sweet basil still makes a wonderful weeknight dinner. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
My Favorite Shortcut
One little habit makes this recipe even faster. Before I even turn on the stove, I mix all the sauces together in a small bowl.
Once the garlic and shallots hit the hot pan, everything cooks quickly, and having the sauce ready means dinner comes together without any last-minute scrambling. Future me always appreciates that tiny bit of preparation.
Easy Ways to Add More Protein
This recipe is already packed with protein thanks to the chicken, but sometimes I like making it even more filling. A few easy ideas:
- Add a fried egg on top (my favorite).
- Toss in shelled edamame.
- Serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Use extra lean ground chicken or ground turkey.
Simple changes. Same comforting dinner.
What to Serve with Thai Basil Chicken
Instead of repeating rice… Make it more conversational. Some of my favorite pairings include:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Crispy fried egg
- Cucumber slices for a little crunch
- Thai iced tea if I’m feeling nostalgic
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. You can also freeze portions for later if you like meal prepping.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is because it reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ten minutes.
One pan.
A kitchen that suddenly smells like Thailand.
That’s enough to make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little more exciting.
If you’re looking for a quick dinner, this recipe is hard to beat. And if you’d rather fill your freezer with ready-to-go meals for those extra busy weeks, take a look at my High-Protein Freezer Cookbook, where you’ll find make-ahead recipes designed to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Originally published in 2015. Updated in 2026 with new photos, improved instructions, and additional cooking tips.
10-Minute Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- 2 shallots
- 5 Thai chilies sliced (optional)
- ½ medium red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the oil.
- Add the garlic, shallots, Thai chilies (if using), and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 20 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir-fry until the chicken is almost fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes. If the pan becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add the Thai basil and immediately turn off the heat. Toss just until the basil wilts from the residual heat.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg.
Notes
I am so with you! I get fried from cooking for work all day, then when it comes to dinner I want something fast and delicious. This certainly fits the bill! Yummy.
We’re on the same page, Katie. And yes, this is my comfort food after working all day. Hope you get a chance to try this.
Yum! Do you think this would be good with a peanut sauce instead of the oyster sauce? Love thai dishes:)
Hi Joanna, I don’t think it will work well with peanut sauce since the flavor is different. I normally make Thai chicken satay using peanut sauce. Let me see if I can find it for you and hope you get a chance to try this 🙂
This looks perfect for my dinner tonight! I also love that oil, and use it often.
This looks amazing.. i am going to pin this so I dont forget the recipe
Looks so incredibly good!
Wow, I love this combo of flavors and the photos are stunning.
That looks so good – I want to make it now!
OK – now I am starving!!
This looks so good! I am all about quick dinners because I have so much else to do every night!
This looks so fantastic. The flavors are amazing!
Thai basil is one of my favorite herbs. Such a wonderful flavor! I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for this wok oil now (love that they’re local!) because the flavors sound amazing.
Totally agree! Time to shop for wok oil now.
This looks like a delicious weeknight dinner!!!
Thank you for sharing this recipe! Your photos are lovely and it sounds divine! I’m on a quest for healthy eating, and the lemongrass would give it a light spring flavor ~ I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Yummmm! That sounds awesome and now I need another batch of this with lemongrass.
Love the Thai basil flavors here! It looks fantastic and you can’t beat easy meals especially for weeknights . That wok spray sounds great too!
I love the sound of a quick, one pan, healthy and nutritious meal! Even if I haven’t slaved over two cakes! 😛 Great looking recipe Linda!
Awwww thanks, Lorraine 🙂
Oooh, you are totally on to something here! This looks fabulous (I always am looking for tasty, quick meals and this totally fits the bill)!
This dish looks brilliant, Linda! 🙂 Thanks for sharing these Thai delicacies with us!
Thanks, Lily. I love Thai food especially something quick and easy like this one 🙂
I haven’t tried this dish in Thai restaurant, but the other day I saw a video on how to make this and I’ve been thinking about it. And now I see your recipe here! I must try this recipe! It looks so good!!!
Totally! You need to give it a try and hope you like it 🙂