Thai Basil Chicken, known in Thailand as Pad Krapow Gai, is one of the most iconic and beloved street-food dishes across the country. It’s fast, fiery, fragrant, and unbelievably satisfying. The combination of fresh garlic, chilies, savory sauces, and the unmistakable aroma of holy basil creates a bold and addictive flavor that makes this recipe stand out among all other stir-fries. What’s even better is that it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight dinner for anyone craving authentic Thai food without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this blog, you’ll learn everything from the origins of Pad Krapow Gai to ingredient substitutes, cooking tips, step-by-step instructions, variations, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is Thai Basil Chicken ?
Thai Basil Chicken translates directly to “stir-fried holy basil chicken.” It is a staple of Thai street cuisine and is adored for its bold flavors and lightning-fast cooking process. Vendors across Thailand can cook this dish in under two minutes in scorching-hot woks, creating a smoky, aromatic stir fry that is served over rice and often topped with a crispy fried egg. The heart of this dish lies in the use of holy basil, which has a peppery, clove-like taste that sets it apart from other basil varieties. Combined with spicy chilies and savory sauces, it results in an intense and deeply comforting dish that is almost impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
This dish is the perfect balance of speed, simplicity, and flavor. It cooks incredibly fast, making it one of the easiest dishes to prepare even when you’re short on time. Yet despite being simple, the taste is anything but ordinary, the heat from fresh chilies, the fragrant garlic, and the herbal kick of Thai holy basil come together to create an unforgettable meal. It’s also very flexible, allowing you to adjust the spice level, swap proteins, and customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s considered Thailand’s most comforting and widely eaten stir fry.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
- Optional: fried egg (for serving)
Equipments You Will Need
- Heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Large skillet or fry pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wok
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Ingredients Preparation
Begin by gathering all your ingredients for this quick and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken. You will need ground chicken, fresh Thai basil leaves, garlic, and Thai bird chilies for heat. Also prepare soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar for balance.
Cooking the Aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and chopped bird chilies. Saute for about 30 seconds, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen.
Browning the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the pan. Use a spatula to-break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently. Cook until the chicken is fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Adding the Sauces
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle some sugar. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the savory mixture. Allow it to simmer for a minute to meld the flavors together.
Incorporating Thai Basil
Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in a generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic oils and enhancing the dish.
Serving It Up
Serve your Thai Basil Chicken hot over white rice or jasmine rice for a delightful meal. Garnish with extra basil or sliced chilies if desired. Enjoy this quick and delicious stir-fry that brings authentic Thai flavors to your table in just 20 minutes.
Essential Flavor Profiles of Pad Krapow
Pad Krapow, a beloved Thai dish, centers on the robust taste of Thai basil, giving it a unique and aromatic profile. The herb itself, with its slightly peppery and sweet flavor, elevates the dish, making it instantly recognizable.
Thai Basil Chicken is the star ingredient, typically minced and stir-fried to perfection. The chicken absorbs the fragrant spices, creating a mouthwatering blend.
Garlic and bird’s eye chilies are staples in Pad Krapow, providing a bold kick that defines the dish. The heat from the chilies combines beautifully with the savory sauce, often made from oyster sauce and soy sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
In addition to the proteins and spices, a touch of sugar balances the flavors, adding a subtle sweetness. Serving Pad Krapow with a side of jasmine rice or chicken fried rice and a fried egg on top completes this satisfying meal.
Overall, each bite of Thai Basil Chicken mixed with the vibrant flavors of Pad Krapow is a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
Nutritional Benefits of Thai Basil
Thai basil is not just a flavorful herb; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits that can enhance various dishes, including the beloved Thai Basil Chicken.
Rich in antioxidants, Thai basil helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health. This herb contains essential oils, such as eugenol, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Including Thai basil in your meals may aid in reducing inflammation in the body.
Moreover, Thai basil is a good source of vitamins A and K. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and skin, while vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.
When combined with protein sources like chicken, the dish becomes even more nutritious. Thai Basil Chicken not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and essential nutrients.
Additionally, this aromatic herb is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while enjoying flavorful dishes. Integrating Thai basil into meals can improve your overall diet while adding a delicious twist to everyday recipes.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
Achieving perfectly cooked chicken, especially in dishes like Thai Basil Chicken, requires attention to detail. Start with high-quality, fresh chicken. Whether you choose thighs or breasts, ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Marinate the chicken to enhance flavor and tenderness. For Thai Basil Chicken, consider a marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sugar to balance flavors.
When cooking, use a hot pan to achieve a nice sear. This not only adds depth of flavor but also helps lock in moisture. Stir-fry quickly over high heat to retain juiciness.
Another important tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan; this allows the chicken to brown rather than steam. Consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness — chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This crucial step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent. With these tips, your Thai Basil Chicken will be delicious and perfectly cooked every time!
Serving Suggestions for Pad Krapow Gai
Pad Krapow Gai, or Thai Basil Chicken, is a flavorful dish that shines when served with a few thoughtful accompaniments. Start by plating the stir-fried chicken a top a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the savory sauce and balances the heat from the dish’s spices.
For a touch of freshness, add a side of sliced cucumbers or a simple green salad dressed with lime juice. The coolness of the cucumbers contrasts beautifully with the spicy flavors of the Pad Krapow Gai.
To enhance the experience, serve the dish with a fried egg on top. The runny yolk adds richness and creaminess, elevating the overall taste.
Don’t forget a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. For a complete meal, pair it with a Thai iced tea or a refreshing coconut water to wash everything down.
These thoughtful serving suggestions will ensure your Pad Krapow Gai shines on any dining table.
Enjoy Your Thai Delight
Experience the vibrant taste of Thai Basil Chicken, a dish that brings the essence of Thailand right to your table. This savory stir-fry features tender pieces of chicken, infused with aromatic basil, creating a delightful medley of flavors.
The key ingredient, Thai basil, adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that elevates the dish. Paired with a rich sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and chilies, every bite is a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Cooking this dish is simple and quick, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over steaming jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color.
Embrace the experience of Thai cuisine. Enjoy your Thai Basil Chicken and transport your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
Conclusion
This Easy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is everything you want in a quick stir fry: bold, aromatic, spicy, and full of life. It captures the essence of Thai street food while remaining incredibly simple to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor in just minutes. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Thai Basil Chicken?
Thai Basil Chicken, or “Pad Krapow Gai,” is a popular Thai stir-fry dish made with ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, garlic, chili, and soy sauce, often served over rice.
2. What ingredients are typically used in Thai Basil Chicken?
Common ingredients include ground chicken, Thai basil leaves, garlic, bird’s eye chili, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, all stir-fried to create a flavorful dish.
3. Is Thai Basil Chicken spicy?
Yes, it can be spicy, primarily due to the use of bird’s eye chilies. However, the spice level can be adjusted to meet your preference by adding fewer chilies or using milder alternatives.
4. Can I make Thai Basil Chicken vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the ground chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce or mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan version.
5. How is Thai Basil Chicken typically served?
This dish is commonly served over steamed jasmine rice or with rice noodles, and it is often garnished with a fried egg on top.