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  7. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)

Authentic Thai street food — ground chicken stir-fried with holy basil, chili, and garlic. Served over jasmine rice with a fried egg.

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Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Protein35g
Calories460
Carbs45g
Fat16g

Per serving · Adjust servings below to scale ingredients

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🥗Ingredients

4 servings

Stir-fry

  • 500g ground chicken
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3-5 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced
  • 1 shallot, sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Large handful Thai basil leaves

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar

Serving

  • 400g cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 fried eggs
  • Sliced cucumber

👨‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Fry garlic and chilies for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add ground chicken, breaking it up. Stir-fry 4-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.

  4. 4

    Add shallot, stir 30 seconds. Pour in sauce mixture, toss to coat.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat, fold in Thai basil leaves until wilted. Serve over rice with a fried egg on top.

📊Nutrition per serving

Values are per 1 serving and stay fixed regardless of the servings adjuster above — use the adjuster to scale ingredients only.

Calories460
Protein35g
Carbs45g
Fat16g
Fiber1g

💪Protein & Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) delivers 35g of protein at 460 calories — that's 13 calories per gram of protein, making it one of the more efficient protein sources on this site. Protein accounts for roughly 30% of total calories in this dish. The 45g of carbohydrates per serving provide energy for training, making this a well-rounded meal both pre- and post-workout. The 16g of fat primarily comes from the cooking method and protein source itself, contributing to satiety and supporting fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

🥡Meal Prep & Storage

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) is a quick recipe that scales well for meal prep. This recipe makes 4 servings, each delivering 35g of protein and 460 calories — ideal for tracking macros across the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth prevents the protein from drying out during reheating. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) also freezes well — portion into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Batch cooking a double or triple portion on the weekend means you have 35g-protein meals ready throughout the week with zero daily effort.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • •Use the highest heat possible for authentic wok flavor.
  • •Thai basil is essential — Italian basil won't taste the same.
  • •Adjust chilies to your spice preference.

Variations

  • →Use ground pork or tofu instead.
  • →Add green beans for crunch.
  • →Make it with minced shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) ahead of time?

Cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Slice or shred just before serving — whole cooked breasts stay juicier than pre-sliced portions.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving with cooking time. They have slightly more fat but won't dry out. Adjust cook time — thighs take 1-2 minutes longer.

How do I keep it crispy?

Don't crowd the pan — cook in batches. Place finished items on a wire rack (not paper towels, which trap steam). Serve immediately, or keep warm in a 120°C (250°F) oven on a rack.

high proteinquick30 minute meal

Recipe by

BoBo Chef

Fitness enthusiast and home cook. Every recipe is tested in a real kitchen and macro-verified before publishing.

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