Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Here’s why this dish will become your new favorite:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this is perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re craving bold flavors.

• Spicy & Savory: The heat from the chilies combined with the sweet and salty sauce makes for a tantalizing experience with every bite.

• Fragrant & Flavorful: The basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference by adding more or less chili.

• Perfect with Rice: Serve it over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bold and flavorful dish:

• For the Sauce:

  • ⅓ 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

• For the Chicken:

  • 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

Whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until well blended. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Drizzle in the vegetable oil and add the chopped chicken. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken loses its raw color and is cooked through.

3. Add Shallots, Garlic, and Chilies

Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and chopped chilies to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the shallots are soft and fragrant.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize and coat the chicken evenly.

5. Stir in the Basil

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil and infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor.

6. Serve

Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken over a bed of hot, steamed rice. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

This dish is quite flexible—here are a few ways to customize it:

• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Add Vegetables: You can toss in some bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini for extra crunch and flavor.

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies or opt for a milder pepper like jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?

Yes, sweet basil (the common variety) can be used in place of Thai basil. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it will still work well and create a delicious dish.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best because they stay tender and juicy when cooked. You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs will provide more flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat depends on the type and amount of chilies you use. Thai chilies are very hot, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce the heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the sauce and chop the chicken in advance. Once the ingredients are ready, cooking the dish will take only about 10 minutes.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes! This dish pairs well with noodles, or you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that brings a punch of spice and aromatic basil to your table. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this stir-fry will satisfy your cravings for Thai food without the need to order takeout. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe tonight!

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