Description
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic garlic, shallots, vibrant Thai chilies, and fresh basil leaves. This authentic Thai recipe delivers a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements steamed rice, making it an ideal weekday meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Mixture
- â…“ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 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
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Gather ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare sauce mixture: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. This mixture will provide a balanced sweet, salty, and umami flavor.
- Heat skillet and cook chicken: Place a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped chicken and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken loses its raw pink color.
- Add aromatics and chilies: Stir in sliced shallots, minced garlic, and chopped chilies. Continue cooking on high heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until the juices begin to caramelize on the bottom of the pan, building deep flavor.
- Add initial sauce portion: Pour about one tablespoon of the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet; cook and stir continuously for about 1 minute until the sauce starts to caramelize and thicken slightly.
- Incorporate remaining sauce: Add the rest of the sauce to the skillet. Cook and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any caramelized bits. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce glazes and clings to the chicken.
- Add basil and finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Cook while stirring for about 20 seconds until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.
- Serve: Plate the spicy Thai basil chicken alongside hot cooked rice. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; if unavailable, sweet basil can be substituted though flavor will differ.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness; chicken breast can be used but will be leaner and less tender.
- Serve immediately as the basil flavor and texture are best when fresh.
- If you want to reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or steamed sticky rice.
