If you’re craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that packs a punch, the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Thai stir-fry is a perfect balance of fiery heat, savory notes, and fresh herbal brightness, coming together in a quick and easy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The tender chicken mingles beautifully with fragrant basil and spicy chilies, all glazed in a slightly sweet and salty sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for an authentic taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, essential ingredients — each adding its own layer of flavor and texture that makes the dish unforgettable. From the fresh basil leaves to the punchy chilies, every element works in harmony to bring this recipe to life.
- Chicken broth: Adds a rich, savory base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Oyster sauce: A sweet and salty depth that intensifies the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Enhances umami and balances the flavors with its mild saltiness.
- Fish sauce: The authentic Thai flavor boost that adds complexity and aroma.
- White sugar: Light sweetness that cuts through the spice and enriches the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses-like richness, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral cooking fat that allows everything to cook evenly without overpowering the flavors.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing all the vibrant seasoning.
- Shallots: Provide subtle sweetness and crunch for added texture.
- Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, it’s a must-have in any great Thai dish.
- Thai chilies (or Serrano): The star of the show for heat and bold flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bring a refreshing, herbal kick that defines this dish.
- Hot cooked rice: The perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by organizing everything on your countertop so you can cook effortlessly. Having all your ingredients ready sets you up for success and keeps the kitchen stress-free.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This blend is the heart of your dish’s flavor, balancing sweet, salty, and savory in every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet on high and swirl in vegetable oil. Add the chopped chicken thighs and stir-fry until they lose their raw pink color, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sear locks in juicy tenderness and creates a nice base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Chilies
Stir in shallots, garlic, and the fiery sliced chilies. Cook on high heat, letting those wonderful aromas fill your kitchen and the juices begin to caramelize at the bottom of the pan. This step adds a smoky depth and that signature Thai kick.
Step 5: Introduce the Sauce Gradually
Add about a tablespoon of the prepared sauce mixture to the pan, stirring until you see the sauce caramelizing and thickening—a beautiful glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces.
Step 6: Pour in Remaining Sauce and Glaze the Chicken
Pour the rest of the sauce into the skillet and use it to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom. Keep cooking, stirring to ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken in a shiny, flavorful glaze.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Turn off the heat and stir in the thinly sliced basil leaves. The warmth will gently wilt them, releasing that unmistakable fresh and slightly spicy aroma that completes the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the spicy Thai basil chicken over steaming hot rice. Sit down, dig in, and savor every bright, spicy, and delicious bite of this authentic Thai favorite.
How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sunny-side-up fried egg perched on top add a rich creaminess that tames the spiciness beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh chili slices gives your dish an extra pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crunchy cucumber salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the heat. For an adventurous meal, serve alongside tangy pickled carrots or a bowl of clear broth soup to cleanse the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld experience. Alternatively, layer it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or roll it inside warm tortillas for a Thai-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place the leftover basil chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remains flavorful thanks to the robust sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, though the fresh basil is best added after thawing. For freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately from any rice to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve the vibrant texture and flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of Thai chilies or substitute with milder peppers like jalapeños. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful, just a bit gentler on your taste buds.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh Thai basil?
If fresh Thai basil isn’t available, Italian basil can be a good stand-in. While the flavor is slightly different, it still adds a lovely herbal freshness that complements the dish nicely.
Is it possible to use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can use chicken breast as a leaner option, but keep in mind that thighs stay juicier and more tender when stir-fried. Cooking breast meat quickly and carefully will help avoid dryness.
What rice pairs best with this recipe?
Jasmine rice is ideal for the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe because its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture soak up the sauce perfectly, enhancing every bite.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and swap oyster and fish sauce for soy sauce or vegetarian alternatives. Fresh basil and chilies still keep the dish vibrant and exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe is a beautiful celebration of Thai flavors that’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. Its fiery heat paired with fresh basil and savory sauce makes every bite a delight. I hope you give it a try and find it becoming one of your favorite dishes to turn to whenever you want that perfect spicy, addictive meal.
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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic garlic, shallots, fiery Thai chilies, and fresh basil leaves. This quick and easy recipe delivers authentic Thai street food flavors with a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, perfect served over steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- â…“ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or as needed
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup sliced shallots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot pepper
- 1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
To Serve
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. Collect all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process and accurate measurements.
- Make the sauce mixture. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and the sugars dissolve completely.
- Heat the skillet and cook chicken. Place a large skillet on high heat, add vegetable oil, then add the chopped chicken thighs. Stir fry the chicken until it loses its raw pink color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add aromatics and chilies. Stir in the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and chopped Thai chilies. Continue cooking on high heat until juices start to caramelize on the skillet’s bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add a portion of the sauce. Pour about one tablespoon of the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce begins to caramelize and thicken, roughly 1 minute.
- Pour in the remaining sauce. Add the rest of the sauce and cook, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits. Continue until the sauce glazes the chicken evenly, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
- Stir in fresh basil. Add the sliced basil leaves and stir them into the hot chicken mixture until wilted, about 20 seconds, releasing their fragrance.
- Serve immediately. Spoon the spicy basil chicken over hot cooked rice and enjoy this quick, flavorful Thai-inspired meal.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; if unavailable, holy basil or sweet basil can be substituted.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can be used as a leaner option.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest and most aromatic.
- Can be garnished with a fried egg on top for a traditional Thai street food touch.
