Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its fragrant herbs and bold flavors. This one-pan wonder comes together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Bursting with the freshness of basil and the savory depth of sauces, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Why It Deserves a Spot
Thai Basil Chicken deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes. Second, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your choice of protein, whether you opt for ground chicken, diced chicken breast, or even ground turkey. Third, the combination of fresh ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Finally, serving it over fluffy Jasmine rice creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
What Goes Into Thai Basil Chicken
Creating this flavorful dish requires just a handful of ingredients, each contributing to the overall taste profile:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and adding richness.
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced – adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – provides aromatic intensity.
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – brings warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced – adds crunch and color.
- 1 pound ground chicken – the protein base; can also use diced chicken breast or ground turkey.
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar – balances the savory flavors.
- 1 Tablespoon fish sauce – enhances umami (substitute with hoisin sauce if necessary).
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – for added saltiness and depth.
- 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce – contributes sweetness and umami.
- 2 Tablespoons Asian Garlic Chili Sauce – or use Sambal Oelek for heat.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth – helps to create a saucy consistency.
- 1/4 cup water – to adjust the sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon corn starch – for thickening the sauce.
- 2/3 cup fresh basil leaves – the star ingredient that gives the dish its signature flavor.
- Cooked Jasmine rice – for serving; the perfect accompaniment to soak up the sauce.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before diving into this recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials:
- Large skillet or wok – for cooking the chicken and vegetables quickly.
- Cutting board – for slicing the shallots, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper.
- Knife – a sharp one for efficient chopping.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and combining ingredients.
Directions: Thai Basil Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients prepped, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the 2 sliced shallots, 6 cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shallots become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Bell Pepper
Toss in the 1/2 sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the pepper to soften slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the 1 pound of ground chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Flavor the Dish
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the 2 teaspoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Asian Garlic Chili Sauce. Mix well to combine.
Step 6: Add Liquids
Pour in the 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to mix everything together.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the 1 teaspoon of corn starch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Stir in Basil
Finally, add the 2/3 cup of fresh basil leaves and stir until the basil is wilted and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over freshly cooked Jasmine rice. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the delightful aroma!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient or looking to customize your dish, consider these swaps:
- Ground Chicken – substitute with diced chicken breast or ground turkey.
- Fish Sauce – replace with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Oyster Sauce – can be omitted or replaced with a bit more soy sauce and sugar.
- Asian Garlic Chili Sauce – use Sriracha or another hot sauce if you prefer.
Pro Perspective
Thai Basil Chicken is not just a quick meal; it’s a chance to explore the wonderful world of Thai flavors. When using fresh basil, opt for Thai basil if available, as it has a unique flavor that’s slightly different from sweet basil. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like snap peas or carrots for a more colorful and nutritious dish. The key to a great Thai Basil Chicken lies in the balance of flavors—sweet, salty, and spicy. Don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences!
How to Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store the Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens after refrigeration.
Questions People Ask
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with diced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein used.
Is Thai Basil Chicken spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with a smaller amount of Asian Garlic Chili Sauce and add more as needed to reach your desired heat level.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?
This dish is traditionally served with Jasmine rice, but you can pair it with other grains like brown rice or quinoa. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can also complement the meal beautifully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook them on the day you plan to serve.
Final Thoughts
Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of Thai cuisine. With its quick preparation and delicious outcome, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among so many. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the 2 sliced shallots, 6 cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shallots become translucent and fragrant.
- Toss in the 1/2 sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the pepper to soften slightly.
- Add the 1 pound of ground chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the 2 teaspoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Asian Garlic Chili Sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to mix everything together.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1 teaspoon of corn starch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finally, add the 2/3 cup of fresh basil leaves and stir until the basil is wilted and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over freshly cooked Jasmine rice. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the delightful aroma!
Notes
- Use Thai basil for a more authentic flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of chili sauce.
