If you’ve ever craved something bursting with flavor, heat, and that unmistakable aroma of fresh herbs, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe. This classic Thai street food delivers a vibrant punch of garlicky, spicy goodness balanced perfectly by sweet and savory notes. It’s a quick, satisfying dish packed with tender chicken, fiery chilies, and the star of the show—fragrant Thai basil—that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of authentic flavor and create that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. From the punch of fresh chili to the depth of fish sauce, everything plays a vital role.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps meld the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet umami depth that enhances the savory notes.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty, earthy undertones and helps with caramelization during cooking.
- Fish sauce: A staple in Thai cooking, it adds a distinct salty and slightly funky flavor that is essential here.
- White and brown sugar: Balanced sweetness that helps mellow the heat while aiding caramelization.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the chicken to tender perfection.
- Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful—ideal for quick, high-heat cooking.
- Sliced shallots: Contribute a delicate sweetness and texture contrast.
- Minced garlic: Pungent and aromatic, it forms the flavor base.
- Minced Thai chilies (or Serrano/other hot pepper): Bring that signature fiery kick.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves: The crown jewel that adds a peppery, minty, and slightly sweet fragrance.
- Hot cooked rice: The perfect vehicle to soak up all those luscious sauces and juices.
How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients to keep things smooth and stress-free in the kitchen. Having everything chopped and measured out helps make this fast-paced dish a breeze to cook.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar. This blend is the flavor-packed sauce that will bring your chicken to life, balancing salty, sweet, and savory beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped chicken thighs and stir-fry until they lose their raw color. This quick sear locks in the juiciness and creates a tasty base for the dish—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Chilies
Stir in the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and fiery chilies. Keep the heat high so the aromatics and chilies release their vibrant flavors and the mixture begins to caramelize slightly, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the irresistible fragrance starts to build.
Step 5: Incorporate the Sauce
Add about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir it around as it bubbles and caramelizes for about 1 minute, enriching the flavor and helping the chicken soak up the deliciousness.
Step 6: Finish with the Remaining Sauce
Pour in the rest of your sauce blend. Stir until it deglazes the pan, lifting all those crisp bits from the bottom and coating the chicken with a shiny glaze. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes for the sauce to thicken and cling beautifully to every bite. Then remove from heat.
Step 7: Toss in the Basil
Finally, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the leaves quickly in about 20 seconds, releasing their signature peppery, minty aroma that’s the hallmark of this dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken immediately over steaming hot rice. Each mouthful will be a fantastic dance of spice, sweetness, and herbal freshness that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your dish even more. Try a fried egg on top for richness and creamy yolk that balances the heat perfectly. Sprinkle some thinly sliced red chilies for added color and a fresh crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that help cool the palate, such as a crisp cucumber salad or lightly steamed greens. Jasmine rice is traditional and absorbs the flavors beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve the chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld bite, or even over noodles to create a unique fusion dish. Adding a squeeze of lime just before eating can add a sparkling brightness and lift the flavors to another level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its flavor surprisingly well, so you can enjoy this dish again with minimal effort.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 1 month. While the basil flavor slightly mellows upon freezing, reheating gently will bring most of the vibrant taste back.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to retain the best texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken a bit rubbery. A quick stir-fry with a splash of water helps revive the saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and more flavorful when stir-fried quickly on high heat.
What can I substitute if I can’t find Thai basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil is the closest option. It won’t be quite the same, but it still adds a lovely herbal brightness.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is quite high thanks to the minced Thai chilies, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference or substitute with milder peppers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensuring the oyster sauce used is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken with tofu or a meat substitute and use vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives to maintain that rich, umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its bold flavors, fast cooking time, and minimal ingredients make it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with something exotic yet approachable. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the incredible taste journey this recipe offers—trust me, your dinner routine will thank you!
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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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai stir-fry dish bursting with bold flavors from fresh Thai chilies, garlic, and aromatic basil leaves. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked with a savory sauce made of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of sweetness, served hot over steamed rice. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
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 necessary ingredients and prepare them by mincing garlic, slicing shallots, chopping chicken thighs, and slicing fresh basil leaves thinly.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until well blended to create a flavorful sauce mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat and drizzle in vegetable oil. Add the chopped chicken and stir-fry until it loses its raw color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in sliced shallots, minced garlic, and minced chilies. Continue cooking on high heat until the juices start to caramelize on the bottom of the pan, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Caramelize Sauce: Add about a tablespoon of the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring until the sauce begins to caramelize, about 1 minute.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour in the remainder of the sauce and cook while stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken, about 1 to 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Wilt Basil: Stir in the sliced basil leaves and cook for about 20 seconds until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken hot paired with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; if unavailable, sweet basil can be a substitute but will alter the taste slightly.
- Adjust the amount of chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Ensure high heat when stir-frying to achieve proper caramelization and flavor development.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
