How to Make Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice, known locally as 'Pad Kra Pao', is a vibrant dish that has found its home in the heart of Singapore's bustling hawker centres and kopitiam culture. While originally rooted in Thai cuisine, this flavourful stir-fry has been embraced and adapted by Singaporean chefs and home cooks, reflecting the nation's passion for culinary fusion and multicultural flavours. The dish features aromatic basil, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savoury sauce and served over fluffy white or brown rice. In Singapore, it's common to see this dish offered at mixed rice stalls or cooked to order by local hawkers, highlighting the city's love for bold, aromatic, and satisfying meals. With its lively combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and earthy notes, Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice has become a lunchtime favourite for office workers, students, and families alike, offering a quick, healthy, and deeply comforting choice during the midday rush. This recipe stays true to its Singaporean roots, using locally available ingredients and healthier cooking methods, making it perfect for anyone seeking delicious, authentic, and nutritious Singaporean cuisine.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Cook brown rice according to packet instructions
Cook brown rice according to packet instructions. Fluff and set aside.
Step 2 · Heat canola oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium heat
Heat canola oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chili, stir-frying until aromatic.
Step 3 · Add diced chicken breast and stir-fry until the pieces turn white a...
Add diced chicken breast and stir-fry until the pieces turn white and are almost cooked through.
Step 4 · Toss in red bell pepper and long beans
Toss in red bell pepper and long beans. Stir-fry until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5 · Pour in light soy sauce
Pour in light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.
Step 6 · Add fresh basil leaves and stir-fry quickly until just wilted
Add fresh basil leaves and stir-fry quickly until just wilted. Turn off the heat immediately.
Step 7 · Spoon the stir-fried chicken basil over bowls of hot brown rice
Spoon the stir-fried chicken basil over bowls of hot brown rice. Serve immediately for best flavour.
Why this recipe is healthy
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice is a healthy choice because it's low in saturated fat and rich in lean protein and vegetables. Using minimal oil and brown rice helps reduce calorie density and increase fibre. The recipe is balanced, providing complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for those mindful of their nutrition or tracking calories on IndianCalorie. It satisfies cravings for local hawker food without compromising your health goals.
A note on tradition
Stir-Fried Chicken Basil with Rice has become a beloved staple in Singapore, frequently found in kopitiam and hawker centres, thanks to the city’s melting pot of cultures. Its Thai roots have been embraced and adapted to suit Singaporean palates, often appearing alongside other Asian rice dishes at mixed rice stalls. It's a popular choice for a quick, nourishing lunch or dinner, especially among busy office workers and students seeking comfort food with a healthy twist.