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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.

Thai Basil Chicken

Author: Rika
330kcal
5 from 2 votes
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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
Craving a taste of Thailand? Look no further than this Thai Basil Chicken recipe, also known as Pad Krapow Gai or Gai Pad Krapow. This beloved stir-fry is a staple in Thai cuisine and is celebrated for its bold flavors and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and around 10 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a dish that's both delicious and budget-friendly.
Servings 4
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thailand

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs (fat removed and cut into small cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1¼ oz Thai holy basil or Thai basil leaves (without stems)
  • 5 garlic cloves (sliced)
  • 2-3 Thai red chili peppers (or about 1 large red chili pepper)
  • ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • ¼ cup water

Method

  1. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add the garlic and chili peppers, and cook until fragrant. Add the chicken and stir until fully cooked.
  2. Stir in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add water to deglaze the pan. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened. Season with additional salt if needed.
  3. Stir in the Thai basil and cook until wilted. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories330kcalCarbohydrates4gProtein19gFat26gSaturated Fat6gPolyunsaturated Fat6gMonounsaturated Fat11gTrans Fat0.1gCholesterol111mgSodium420mgPotassium292mgFiber0.3gSugar2gVitamin A574IUVitamin C6mgCalcium34mgIron1mg

Notes

Neutral Oil. Neutral oil is ideal for stir-frying because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that won’t overpower your dish. Oils like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed are great choices, as they can withstand the high heat needed for stir-frying and allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
Basil. You can use either Thai Holy Basil or Thai Basil. If neither is available, feel free to use any other type of basil—you’ll still get better results than using none at all.
Heat Level. You can adjust the level of heat by using fewer chili peppers or removing the seeds to make it milder.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken? Thai Basil Chicken is traditionally served over jasmine rice. You can also top it with a fried egg for added richness or serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
This post was originally published on Aug 29, 2019 but has been updated with new photos, content on Sep 8, 2024.

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