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

Whipping up a classic ground chicken & holy basil stir fry sends delicious aromas dancing through your kitchen.

Authentic thai flavors burst from this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.

Fragrant holy basil adds remarkable depth to every bite.

Lean protein meets bold seasonings in a quick meal that promises excitement.

Spicy notes and fresh ingredients create a perfect balance for hungry souls.

Crispy edges of caramelized chicken mingle with bright herbal undertones.

Dive into this street food favorite and make restaurant-quality magic happen at home.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

The salted water will help season the linguine from the inside out.

Step 2: Cook Linguine

Drop the linguine into the boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture, typically about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté carefully to prevent burning, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.

The garlic should turn golden and become wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Add Wine and Tomatoes

Pour in white wine, letting it simmer and reduce slightly.

Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Cook Shrimp

Introduce the shrimp to the tomato sauce. Cook until they turn pink and curl slightly, which indicates they are perfectly done.

Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked linguine into the shrimp and tomato sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy kick.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta in warm bowls. Offer additional parsley and flaky sea salt at the table.

Serve with a crusty baguette if desired, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Cooking Ground Chicken With Holy Basil

• Crush fresh holy basil leaves between your hands before adding to release maximum aroma and taste.
• Adjust red chili peppers according to personal heat tolerance, using fewer for mild or more for extra kick.
• Break ground chicken into small, consistent pieces while stir-frying to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
• Serve over jasmine rice to absorb the delicious sauce and complement the Thai-inspired flavors.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand since stir-frying happens rapidly and requires immediate ingredient additions.

Creative Versions of Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Dish

• Seafood Fusion: Swap ground chicken with mixed seafood like scallops, crab, and shrimp for a luxurious ocean-inspired stir fry.
• Vegetarian Power: Replace ground chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the holy basil's bold flavor profile.
• Spicy Thai-Korean Blend: Add gochujang sauce and kimchi for a fiery Korean-Thai crossover that amplifies the dish's heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and thyme to give the stir fry a Mediterranean-inspired herbal essence.

What Complements Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Best

• Elevate Seafood Linguine Pairing Experiences
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: A dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich tomato sauce.
• Serve Crusty Baguette Slices: Toasted bread helps soak up the flavorful sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender shrimp and pasta.
• Match Fresh Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and squeeze lemon wedges to brighten the dish, adding zesty freshness that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Select Chilled Mediterranean Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing side that balances the warm, robust linguine.

Proper Storage of Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer the stir fry to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.

Place the stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, which typically takes 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

• What is holy basil and why is it important in this dish?

Holy basil is a fragrant herb with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential to authentic Thai cuisine. It provides a unique taste profile that sets this stir fry apart from other Asian dishes.

• Can I substitute regular basil for holy basil?

While regular basil can be used, it won’t provide the same intense, peppery flavor. Holy basil has a distinct taste that’s crucial to the traditional Thai flavor of pad kra pao.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional pad kra pao is quite spicy, typically made with Thai bird’s eye chili. The recipe can be adjusted to your heat preference by controlling the amount of chili peppers used.

Why Thai Basil Stir-Fry With Chicken Hits Right

• Culinary Adventure: Dive into an exciting Thai-inspired dish that transforms ground chicken into a flavor-packed stir fry bursting with aromatic holy basil.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving bold, authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for various palates.
• Nutritious One-Pan Delight: Enjoy a protein-rich, low-maintenance meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

What Goes Into Chicken and Basil Stir-Fry

• DeLallo Linguine: A classic Italian pasta that provides a perfect base for this shrimp dish.

• Large Raw Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the main protein of the recipe, peeled and deveined for easy eating.

• Garlic Cloves: Finely chopped to add depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean herb note to the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
• DeLallo Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright herb flavor and green color.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a citrusy brightness to the dish.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Offers a final flavor enhancement and textural element.

• Baguette: A classic accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.

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

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Thai Pad Kra Pao dances with spicy ground chicken and fragrant holy basil, creating a quick street-food favorite. Crisp rice and a sunny-side-up egg complete this irresistible Bangkok-inspired meal that satisfies you with authentic Southeast Asian zest.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 large eggs

Base and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons holy basil leaves
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, adding a generous pinch of salt for the linguine, ensuring the water is at a rolling boil before adding pasta.
2. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp by patting them completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
4. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5. Season shrimp with 1 teaspoon salt and half the red pepper flakes, then carefully add to the hot skillet.
6. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a golden-brown crust, then remove and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil and chopped garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
8. Sprinkle dried oregano into the garlic, allowing it to bloom and release its aromatic oils for about 30 seconds.
9. Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, and let it reduce by half.
10. Add crushed tomatoes, remaining salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar, simmering the sauce for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and return it to the pot.
12. Gently fold the shrimp and chopped parsley into the tomato sauce, ensuring even coating.
13. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture.
14. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
15. Optionally, serve with toasted baguette slices on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes to suit individual heat preferences.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Fresh basil can replace dried oregano for a more vibrant herb profile.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic alternative that maintains depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 504
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 725 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg