Go Back
Thai Basil Ground Chicken (Pad Kra Pao), 30 minute dinner recipes for busy nights
Brittany Stage

Thai Basil Ground Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)

Ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil in a savory fish sauce and oyster sauce glaze, served over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top. The whole dish is on the table in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb ground chicken 93% lean or higher
  • 6 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 2 Thai red chilies or serrano peppers thinly sliced, seeds in for heat or removed for mild
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves packed, stems removed
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar white or brown
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil vegetable or avocado oil, divided
  • 4 large eggs one per serving
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice for serving

Equipment

  • large wok or 12-inch skillet
  • small bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar together in a small bowl and set it right next to the stove. Having this ready before the wok gets hot makes the whole stir-fry go smoothly.
  2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is very hot, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat. Add the garlic and chilies and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not walk away here, garlic burns fast on high heat.
  3. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Spread it in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes so the bottom gets a little brown, then stir and break up any large chunks. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes total.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss everything to coat evenly. Let it cook for 1 more minute until the sauce glazes the meat and smells a little caramelized. Pull the pan off the heat.
  5. Add the Thai basil leaves and toss them in for about 30 seconds. The residual heat will wilt them just enough. Any longer and they turn dark and bitter, so be quick here.
  6. While the stir-fry rests, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs one or two at a time until the whites are fully set and the edges are lacy and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. The runny yolk breaks into the rice and acts like a sauce.
  7. Spoon rice into bowls, top with the basil chicken, and set a fried egg on top of each serving. Serve immediately with extra sliced chili on the side if anyone wants more heat.

Notes

Thai basil has a slightly anise-like flavor that is worth seeking out at Asian grocery stores. Italian basil works as a backup but the flavor is milder. Fish sauce can be replaced with soy sauce if needed.