Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai dish renowned for its spicy, flavorful, and aromatic profile. This delightful stir-fry features chicken, shallots, Thai red chili, and fragrant basil leaves as its key ingredients.
It is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Thai Basil Chicken is typically served over rice, such as white, jasmine, or basmati, to complete the meal.
The recipe provided below offers step-by-step instructions on how to make Thai Basil Chicken, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. Additionally, a detailed video is included to provide visual clarity throughout the cooking process.
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What is Thai Basil Chicken?
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a spicy, flavorful, and aromatic Thai dish that is beloved for its vibrant taste. It features tender chicken cooked with shallots, garlic, Thai red chili, basic seasonings, and fragrant basil leaves. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both spicy and aromatic, with the basil adding a fresh herbal note. Thai Basil Chicken is a delicious stir-fry recipe that is typically served over steamed rice, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
What sets Thai Basil Chicken apart from other Asian dishes is its distinct combination of flavors and the use of holy basil or Thai sweet basil, which gives it an authentic Thai taste. This dish has gained popularity not only in Thailand but also worldwide due to its bold and irresistible flavors. In Thailand, Thai Basil Chicken is commonly found in local street food stalls, restaurants, and home kitchens.
One of the reasons Thai Basil Chicken is so popular is its ease of preparation. With simple ingredients and a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it is a convenient choice for various occasions. Whether it's a quick late-night dinner, a cozy family meal, or a last-minute dish for a crowd, Thai Basil Chicken fits the bill. Its bold flavors and quick cooking time make it an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making this Thai Basil Chicken are basic Asian staples that could be easily available in most Asian grocery stores around. Let's see what are they below.
- Chicken: Ground or finely chopped boneless chicken works best for this recipe. It is a protein-rich base for the dish and absorbs the flavors of the aromatics and seasonings
- Aromatics: Shallots and garlic add a savory and aromatic depth to the dish, while Thai red chili brings a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of Thai red chili based on your preferred level of heat
- Seasonings: Fish sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, while soy sauce enhances the savory profile of the dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and black pepper brings a subtle heat. Salt helps to balance and enhance the overall flavors
- Basil Leaves: Thai holy basil is traditionally used and provides a unique peppery and herbal flavor that is characteristic of Thai cuisine. You can also use Thai sweet basil as an alternative as has a milder, slightly sweet taste. Regular basil can also be used if Thai basil varieties are not available
- Oil: The cooking oil of your choice adds richness and helps to cook the ingredients evenly. Sesame oil can be used for a more distinct and nutty flavor, adding depth to the dish
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Thai Basil Chicken, a spicy, flavorful, and aromatic dish. It is usually made with tender chicken cooked with shallots, garlic, and Thai red chili for a hint of spice. Fragrant basil leaves add a fresh herbal note, while the basic seasonings create a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below
- Saute the aromatics: Begin by heating a wok over high heat, then pour in the oil and wait for it to heat up. Then, add shallots, garlic, and Thai red chili, and stir-fry these ingredients to release their aromatic flavors
- Add Chicken: Now add the ground or finely chopped boneless chicken. Incorporate the chicken into the wok and continue stirring and tossing it until it turns a pale, white color
- Deglaze the wok: To add some moisture and enhance the flavors, deglaze the wok by pouring in ¼ cup of water or broth. Use a spatula or spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the wok
- Season: Now season the chicken with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. These ingredients will provide a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors to the dish. Mix the chicken and seasonings thoroughly
- Garnish: To finish the dish, add the basil leaves to the wok. The basil leaves will bring a fresh and aromatic element to the dish. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the basil leaves and incorporate their flavors
- Remove and serve: Once all the ingredients are well-combined and cooked to perfection, the spicy and delicious Thai Basil Chicken is ready to enjoy
Tips
- High heat and quick cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying the ingredients to achieve a nice sear and maintain the crispness of the aromatics and chicken. Stir-fry quickly to retain their texture and prevent overcooking
- Prep ingredients in advance: Prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking. This includes chopping the shallots, garlic, Thai red chili, and basil leaves, as well as having the sauces and spices ready. This ensures a smooth cooking process
- Adjust spice level: Thai Basil Chicken is known for its spiciness. Adjust the amount of Thai red chili according to your personal preference for heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually if desired
- Don't overcook the chicken: Stir-fry the chicken until it turns a pale, white color and is cooked through. Overcooking can make the chicken tough and dry. It's important to maintain its tenderness and juiciness
- Add basil leaves towards the end: Add the basil leaves towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor and aroma. Stir them in and cook briefly until they wilt slightly
- Balance the flavors: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt gradually, ensuring a well-balanced combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors
- Serve immediately: Thai Basil Chicken is best enjoyed right after it's cooked while it's still hot and the flavors are at their peak. Serve it alongside steamed rice or other suggested accompaniments
Storage Suggestions
Thai Basil Chicken is best served hot as soon as it is out of the wok. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
Thai Basil Chicken pairs well with several complementary dishes such as sunny side up eggs. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve alongside:
- Rice Dishes: The fragrant and fluffy jasmine rice, basmati rice, or coconut rice serves as a perfect base for the flavorful Thai Basil Chicken. However, you can choose brown rice or white rice if you prefer
- Sauteed Dishes: Prepare a side of sauteed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, bok choy, green beans, or snap peas for a healthy meal
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can provide a cool and tangy contrast to the spiciness of Thai Basil Chicken
- Spring Rolls: Serve some crispy and flavorful spring rolls as an appetizer or side dish. The light and crispy texture of the rolls complements the rich flavors of the Thai Basil Chicken
- Tom Kha Soup: If you're looking for a complete Thai meal experience, consider serving a bowl of Tom Kha Soup alongside this dish
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at Thai recipes, and chicken recipes.
More Stir fry recipes:
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Orange Chicken
- Szechuan Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Thai Basil Chicken recipe below that I hope will help you make a spicy and delicious meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken, ground, or chopped
- 2 Shallots, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 Thai Red Chili, chopped, reduce the quantity for less heat
- 2 tsp Oil
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Water, to deglaze
- 1½ tsp Fish Sauce
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 handful Basil Leaves, Thai sweet basil or holy basil
Instructions
To make Thai Basil Chicken
- In a wok heated over high heat, add oil and incorporate shallots, garlic, Thai red chili, and saute until they release their aromatic flavors
- Next, add the ground or finely chopped boneless chicken, and stir-fry until it is cooked through
- To deglaze the wok, pour in ¼ cup of water or broth, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the liquid with the chicken. Then, season the chicken with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution
- Finally, add the basil leaves to the wok and give the dish a thorough stir. Now, the flavorful and spicy Thai Basil Chicken is ready for your enjoyment
To Serve
- Serve this delectable Thai Basil Chicken over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice, accompanied by a fried egg or sunny-side-up eggs, to create a satisfying and delicious meal
Video
Notes
- High heat and quick cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying the ingredients to achieve a nice sear and maintain the crispness of the aromatics and chicken. Stir-fry quickly to retain their texture and prevent overcooking
- Prep ingredients in advance: Prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking. This includes chopping the shallots, garlic, Thai red chili, and basil leaves, as well as having the sauces and spices ready. This ensures a smooth cooking process
- Adjust spice level: Thai Basil Chicken is known for its spiciness. Adjust the amount of Thai red chili according to your personal preference for heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually if desired
- Don't overcook the chicken: Stir-fry the chicken until it turns a pale, white color and is cooked through. Overcooking can make the chicken tough and dry. It's important to maintain its tenderness and juiciness
- Add basil leaves towards the end: Add the basil leaves towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor and aroma. Stir them in and cook briefly until they wilt slightly
- Balance the flavors: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt gradually, ensuring a well-balanced combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors
- Serve immediately: Thai Basil Chicken is best enjoyed right after it's cooked while it's still hot and the flavors are at their peak. Serve it alongside steamed rice or other suggested accompaniments
Nutrition
FAQ
Yes, Thai Basil Chicken is typically spicy. It is known for its bold and flavorful profile, which includes the use of Thai red chili peppers. These chilies contribute to the dish's spiciness and give it a distinctive kick. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
You can use oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute for fish sauce in Thai Basil Chicken. However, it's important to note that these substitutes will alter the flavor profile of the dish slightly.
For Thai Basil Chicken, the most traditional and authentic choice is to use Thai holy basil leaves. Thai holy basil has a distinctive flavor that adds a unique herbal and slightly peppery note to the dish. It has a strong aroma and pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients in Thai Basil Chicken.
If you cannot find Thai holy basil, you can substitute it with Thai sweet basil, which is milder in flavor but still contributes to the overall aromatic profile of the dish. Regular Italian basil can also be used as a substitute, although it has a different flavor profile compared to Thai basil varieties.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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