Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe

Lora Lopez

Posted on August 21, 2025

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds on a delightful trip to Thailand while keeping your keto diet in check! This Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe is not just low in carbs but also rich in flavor, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal without compromising on taste. Thai basil chicken, or ‘Pad Krapow Gai,’ is a beloved street food in Thailand, and now you can create a keto-friendly version right in your kitchen.

Imagine tender ground chicken sautéed with fragrant garlic, fiery bird chilies, and aromatic Thai basil, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, providing a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your keto meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe stands out for several reasons:

Flavor-Packed: Bursting with bold flavors from fresh herbs and spices, this dish is a celebration of Thai cuisine.
Keto-Friendly: With only a few grams of carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want a quick, healthy dinner.
Customizable: Easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.
Low Calorie: A great option for those looking to maintain a healthy calorie count without sacrificing flavor.

With so many reasons to fall in love with this dish, it’s no wonder that Thai basil chicken has become a staple in many households. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques makes it an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

When it comes to maintaining a keto diet, finding dishes that don’t feel like a sacrifice is key. This Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your palate with its aromatic and spicy profile. Here are a few compelling reasons to give it a try:

Authentic Taste: Experience the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine, which often get lost in Western adaptations.
Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from coconut oil, this dish supports overall health.
Easy to Prepare: With simple instructions, even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Family-Friendly: Kid-approved, this dish is a great way to introduce children to new flavors and cuisines.

Trying new recipes can be daunting, but with this one, you’re guaranteed to impress not only yourself but also anyone you serve it to. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore and enjoy culinary diversity while sticking to your dietary goals.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create this flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime wedges, for serving

Recommended Utensils

Large skillet or frying pan
Spatula or wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board for chopping
Measuring spoons
Serving plates

Having the right tools on hand can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. These utensils will allow you to prepare the dish efficiently and with ease.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to create your own delicious Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe:

Heat the Coconut Oil: In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until melted. This oil not only adds flavor but is also a great source of healthy fats.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add Ground Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
Incorporate Sauces: Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and erythritol. Mix well to combine and let the flavors meld together for a couple of minutes.
Add Vegetables: If using, add the sliced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
Add Thai Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until they are just wilted, which will release their aromatic oils into the dish.
Season to Taste: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Thai basil chicken hot, garnished with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing kick. Enjoy this dish on its own or with a side of steamed cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process, so feel free to experiment with the ingredient quantities and make this dish your own!

FAQs

What is Thai basil, and how is it different from regular basil?

Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor and is more aromatic than sweet basil. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai dishes like this Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe. Regular basil can be substituted, but the flavor will differ.

Can I use other proteins instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Thai bird chilies are quite spicy, so you can start with one and increase the amount as desired. Alternatively, you can omit the chilies altogether for a milder dish.

In conclusion, this Thai Basil Chicken Keto Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal while sticking to their dietary goals. Its delicious combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes it a standout dish that you can easily prepare at home. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how your version turned out!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other dishes like Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup or Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. Happy cooking!