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
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- â…“ 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.
