Thai Basil Chicken (Gluten-Free, So Yummy)

Thai Basil Chicken (Gluten-Free, So Yummy) is a medium Thai recipe that serves 2. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by I Heart Umami on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $29.59 total, $14.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Chicken (preferably 93% lean)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced fine)
  • 3 Thai Chili Peppers (or Serrano/Fresno, minced; keep seeds for extra heat)
  • 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil (neutral‑flavored, high smoke point)
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos (gluten‑free soy sauce substitute)
  • 1 Tbsp Red Boat Fish Sauce (no additives, no added sugar)
  • 1 Tbsp Shiitake‑Made Oyster Sauce (homemade; can substitute with extra coconut aminos)
  • 1 tsp Monk Fruit Sweetener (or 1 Tbsp apple juice for Whole30)
  • 1 cup Thai Basil Leaves (packed loosely)
  • 2 Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 2 cups Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 pinches Salt (to enhance flavor of aromatics)

Instructions

  1. Mince Garlic and Chilies

    Finely mince the garlic cloves and Thai chilies together on a cutting board. If you prefer less heat, remove the white inner ribs before mincing.

    Time: PT5M

  2. (Optional) Mince Chicken

    If you have whole chicken breast, cut into chunks and pulse in a food processor until finely minced. This gives a better mouthfeel than pre‑ground meat.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Fry the Crispy Egg

    Heat the wok over medium‑high until it’s very hot (about 2‑3 inches from your palm). Add 1 Tbsp avocado oil, swirl, then crack an egg into the pan. Spoon hot oil over the whites to crisp them while keeping the yolk runny. Cook 2‑3 minutes until edges are golden, then transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Add another 1 Tbsp avocado oil to the same wok. Add the minced garlic, chilies, and two pinches of salt. Stir‑fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Cook the Chicken

    Add the ground chicken to the wok, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it sit untouched for 1‑2 minutes until the bottom browns, then flip and continue cooking until the meat is about two‑thirds done (no longer pink). Break up any large pieces with the spatula as it cooks.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Prepare the Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp coconut aminos, 1 Tbsp Red Boat fish sauce, 1 Tbsp shiitake‑made oyster sauce, and 1 tsp monk fruit sweetener (or 1 Tbsp apple juice for Whole30). Stir until the sweetener dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Finish the Dish

    Pour the sauce over the chicken, stir to coat, and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat, add the packed Thai basil leaves, and let the residual heat wilt them for about 30 seconds. Give a final toss.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Assemble and Serve

    Place cauliflower rice (or regular rice) on a plate, top with the basil chicken, and finish with the crispy fried egg. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Paleo, Keto, Low‑Carb

Allergens: Eggs, Fish

Last updated: April 2, 2026

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Thai Basil Chicken (Gluten-Free, So Yummy)

Recipe by I Heart Umami

A quick, flavorful Thai‑style basil chicken made with ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and a sunny‑side‑up crispy egg. The dish is gluten‑free, low‑carb, and paleo‑friendly, perfect for meal‑prep or a satisfying dinner served over cauliflower rice.

MediumThaiServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.59
Total cost
$14.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Frying the egg until the edges are golden and crispy while keeping the yolk runny
  • Allowing the chicken to sit untouched initially to develop a browned crust
  • Using residual heat to wilt the Thai basil without overcooking it
  • Using gluten‑free sauces (coconut aminos, Red Boat fish sauce, homemade shiitake oyster sauce) to keep the dish paleo‑friendly

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep face away from the pan
  • Ensure ground chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Thai Basil Chicken in Thai cuisine?

A

Thai Basil Chicken, known as “Pad Krapow Gai,” is a staple street‑food dish in Thailand, traditionally made with minced chicken, holy basil, chilies, and a savory‑sweet sauce. It reflects the Thai love for bold, balanced flavors—spicy, salty, sweet, and aromatic—and is often served over rice with a fried egg on top.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pad Krapow Gai in Thailand?

A

In central Thailand the dish uses holy basil (Thai basil) and often includes fish sauce, while in the north you may find it made with pork and a milder basil. Some regions add fermented black beans or use different chilies, but the core concept of minced meat, basil, and a hot‑spicy sauce remains consistent.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Thai Basil Chicken traditionally served in Thailand?

A

It is typically served over steamed jasmine rice with a sunny‑side‑up egg (known as “kai dao”) on top. The egg’s runny yolk mixes with the sauce, adding richness. In street stalls the dish is often cooked quickly in a wok over very high heat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Thai Basil Chicken associated with in Thai culture?

A

Pad Krapow Gai is an everyday comfort food rather than a special‑occasion dish, but it’s popular for quick family meals, late‑night street‑food cravings, and as a hearty lunch for workers. Its simplicity makes it a go‑to for busy days.

cultural
Q

What makes Thai Basil Chicken special or unique in Thai cuisine?

A

The dish’s signature is the use of holy basil, which imparts a peppery, slightly anise‑like flavor distinct from sweet basil. Combined with the heat of chilies and the umami of fish sauce, it creates a bold, aromatic profile that epitomizes Thai street food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Thai Basil Chicken?

A

Common errors include over‑stirring the meat, which prevents browning; adding the basil too early, causing it to turn bitter; and cooking the egg at low heat, resulting in soggy whites. Follow the critical steps for browning and wilting to achieve authentic flavor and texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Thai Basil Chicken recipe use coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce?

A

Coconut aminos are gluten‑free, lower in sodium, and fit paleo and Whole30 guidelines, aligning with the channel’s health‑focused approach. They still provide the salty‑umami backbone needed for the sauce without soy’s allergens.

technical
Q

Can I make Thai Basil Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce up to step 7, then cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh basil and a newly fried egg just before serving to retain texture and flavor.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Thai Basil Chicken?

A

The chicken should have a lightly browned, slightly crisp exterior with a tender interior. The basil leaves should be wilted but still vibrant green, and the fried egg whites should be golden‑crisp while the yolk remains runny.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Thai Basil Chicken is done cooking?

A

When the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should coat the meat glossy, and the basil should have just wilted from the residual heat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel I Heart Umami, hosted by ChihYu Smith, specializes in re‑creating beloved Asian comfort foods with healthier twists—focusing on gluten‑free, paleo, keto, and Whole30‑friendly adaptations while preserving authentic flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?

A

I Heart Umami emphasizes ingredient swaps that meet specific dietary needs (e.g., coconut aminos, avocado oil, homemade mushroom‑based sauces) and often provides detailed explanations on nutrition and meal‑prep practicality, whereas many Thai channels stick to traditional ingredients without dietary modifications.

channel

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