Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

Spicy, savory, and downright delicious—this Pad Kra Pao is everything you need to brighten up your weeknight dinners. The combination of ground chicken, aromatic holy basil, and that perfectly balanced kick of heat will have you hooked after the first bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

This isn’t just another stir fry. This is a game-changer. The flavors in this Pad Kra Pao are bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making this dish for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to steal the show. Here’s why it’s a go-to:

Versatile: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish fits any occasion. Imagine coming home from work and being able to whip up something this flavorful in just a few minutes. Or think about serving it at your next gathering—everyone will be asking you for the recipe!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy, hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish taste like a five-star meal. Simple, everyday items create big flavor without breaking the bank. You can even make this meal on a tight budget and still feel like a culinary genius.

Quick and Easy: The steps are simple and easy to follow, which means even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll still look like one. This is a no-fuss recipe that gives you amazing results every time.

Customizable: Want it spicier? Throw in some extra chilies. Prefer a milder flavor? No problem! You can tweak it to your taste with ease.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish hits the mark. It’s savory, fragrant, and has just the right amount of spice to keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

The magic of this stir fry lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken: The base of the dish. Ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs all those beautiful flavors.

Holy Basil: A true hero of Thai cuisine. The aroma of holy basil is what gives this dish its signature flavor. If you can’t find it, Thai basil is a great substitute.

Garlic & Thai Chilies: These pack a punch. The garlic gives a rich, aromatic depth, while the chilies bring the heat. Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance.

Fish Sauce: This brings a salty, savory umami flavor that’s essential in Thai cooking. It’s that secret ingredient that makes everything taste just right.

Sugar: Yes, sugar! Just a touch balances out the savory and spicy elements beautifully.

Soy Sauce: A staple for adding depth and richness to the dish.

Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying your ingredients to perfection.

Rice: Serve it on a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice for the perfect balance.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Alright, now let’s get into the fun part—cooking! This recipe comes together in no time, and you’re going to love every minute of it.

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping everything before you get to cooking. Chop up your garlic and Thai chilies. If you’re using whole chilies, make sure to slice them open (if you want extra heat, leave in the seeds!). Also, grab your holy basil leaves, ready to go. Trust me, the fragrance when you tear these leaves is worth the prep work.

2. Heat the Pan
Add a little vegetable oil to a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil nice and hot so everything sizzles when you add it.

3. Stir-Fry the Garlic & Chilies
Once the oil is hot, toss in your garlic and Thai chilies. Stir them around for about 30 seconds, or until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma wafting up. Be careful not to burn it—the garlic cooks fast, and you want that perfect golden brown.

4. Add the Ground Chicken
Now, add in your ground chicken and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Stir-fry it until it’s cooked through and starts to brown a little. The chicken will take on all those aromatic flavors from the garlic and chilies.

5. Season
Once your chicken is cooked, pour in your fish sauce, soy sauce, and a little sugar. Stir it all together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. The balance of salty, sweet, and spicy is what makes this dish so irresistible.

6. Add the Holy Basil
Now, toss in your holy basil. Give it a quick stir, and let it wilt just slightly—this only takes about 30 seconds. Holy basil cooks down fast, and you don’t want to lose that fresh, fragrant flavor.

7. Serve & Enjoy
Serve your stir fry over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice. And there you have it! It’s as simple as that, but the flavors? Out of this world.

How to Serve Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, but honestly, it’s so tasty on its own. Here are a few ideas to elevate the meal:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple Thai-style cucumber salad with a touch of lime would work wonders.

Crusty Bread: Though rice is the classic pairing, a warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread could be a fun, unexpected side.

Vegetable Sides: Serve it with a side of roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or asparagus to add some freshness and crunch.

As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is all you need. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop your garlic, chilies, and basil the night before to save time when cooking.
• Spice It Up: Want more heat? Add a bit of extra chili or even a dash of chili paste for more depth.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your fish sauce is gluten-free.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground chicken with another meat?
A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey, pork, or even beef. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: This stir fry is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and seasoning in advance. Just stir-fry it all together right before serving!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough to handle the extra ingredients, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q6: Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
A6: Yes! Just skip the rice and serve it with some cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite stir fry recipe! Whether you’re a Thai food fanatic or a first-time cook, this Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao) will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring joy to your taste buds. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this with your friends—because when something tastes this good, you’ll want everyone to try it!

Print