Thai Basil Chicken

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Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai street food dish that packs a bold punch of flavor with minimal ingredients. It’s fast, fiery, and full of savory richness balanced with the fragrant sweetness of Thai basil. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

This dish delivers everything you want in a weeknight meal: it’s fast to make, deeply satisfying, and easily customizable to your preferred spice level. Serve it with a crispy fried egg and hot jasmine rice, and you have a restaurant-worthy meal right from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, yet the result is anything but ordinary. It has that perfect balance of umami, heat, and herbal brightness. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or just someone looking for a vibrant chicken stir-fry, this one’s a keeper.

What Kind of Basil Should I Use for Thai Basil Chicken?

The star of the show here is Thai basil. It has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that’s distinct from sweet Italian basil. If Thai basil isn’t available at your local grocery store or Asian market, you can substitute with Italian basil in a pinch, but the authentic Thai aroma is hard to beat. You can also grow your own Thai basil at home to have it fresh and ready when you crave this dish.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

To make a truly flavorful Thai Basil Chicken, you’ll need a combination of basic proteins, aromatics, and seasonings that bring this dish to life. The key lies in balancing the salty, sweet, and spicy components with that signature pop of fresh Thai basil.

• Chicken thighs or breast: This is your base protein, and it should be thinly sliced or ground for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Garlic: Essential for depth and richness, garlic is best finely minced to release its full aroma.
• Thai chilies: They provide the heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
• Shallots: Milder than onions, shallots add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the heat.
• Oyster sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth that complements the soy sauce.
• Fish sauce: Just a splash for an authentic Thai flavor boost.
• Sugar: Balances out the heat and saltiness for a rounded taste.
• Thai basil leaves: The hero ingredient, offering a peppery, anise-like freshness.
• Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for frying.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get everything chopped and ready. Slice the chicken thinly, mince the garlic, slice the chilies and shallots, and have your sauces measured out. Thai dishes move fast once the heat is on, so mise en place is key.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a hot skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and chilies. Sauté until fragrant but not browned—this should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Toss in the sliced or ground chicken. Stir-fry until it’s no longer pink, breaking up any clumps if using ground chicken. Let it brown slightly to build flavor.

Step 4: Season the Dish

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Mix thoroughly, allowing the sauce to coat every piece of chicken. Cook until the sauce reduces slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Thai Basil

Turn off the heat and immediately toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir until wilted and glossy. The residual heat is enough to release their bold aroma.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the chicken over jasmine rice and, if you like, top with a crispy fried egg. Serve hot and enjoy!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is overcooking the garlic, which can turn it bitter and affect the entire flavor profile. Make sure it’s just fragrant, not browned. Another issue is using the wrong type of basil—sweet Italian basil won’t give the same punchy flavor as Thai basil. If you must substitute, try to find holy basil or a mix of regular basil and a touch of mint. Also, be cautious with the fish sauce—a little goes a long way. Overdoing it can easily overpower the dish.

Avoid overcrowding the pan, especially if you’re doubling the recipe. Too much chicken at once causes steaming instead of stir-frying, which dulls the final flavor. Cook in batches if necessary.

Serving and Storing This Thai Basil Chicken

This dish is best served hot, right after it’s cooked, when the basil is still vibrant and aromatic. Pair it with jasmine rice or sticky rice for a traditional Thai experience. You can even add a fried egg on top for a richer, more indulgent version.

Thai Basil Chicken feeds about 2 to 3 people as a main dish. For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely before sealing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the basil’s flavor.

What to Serve With Thai Basil Chicken?

Jasmine Rice

Soft, fluffy jasmine rice soaks up the saucy goodness and makes it a complete meal.

Thai Cucumber Salad

A refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken, this cool salad brings crunch and tang.

Stir-Fried Veggies

Lightly seasoned stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli complement the bold flavors.

Mango Sticky Rice

If you’re in the mood for dessert, nothing beats this classic sweet treat after a spicy dish.

Thai Iced Tea

Creamy and sweet, it cools your palate after every bite of the fiery chicken.

Spring Rolls

Crispy vegetable spring rolls make a great starter or side, adding crunch and freshness.

Coconut Soup

Tom Kha Gai is a creamy, tangy soup that balances the spice of the main dish.

Want More Chicken Ideas with a Thai Twist?

If you enjoyed making Thai Basil Chicken, here are more exciting ways to spice up your dinner table:

• Try this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken that’s as cozy as it is flavorful.
• Our Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are another easy weeknight favorite.
• For something bold and fusion-style, check out the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
• Give the classic comfort food a Thai spin with Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken.
• Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for a set-it-and-forget-it meal with tons of flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild? Have you tried it with ground pork or even tofu?

I love hearing how others tweak this favorite to make it their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s cook better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and recipes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for vibrant meals!

Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken is a dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something extraordinary. With bold flavors, fresh herbs, and a quick cooking time, it checks all the boxes for a reliable and mouthwatering meal. Keep it in your rotation, and you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy dinner again.

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