Thai Basil Chicken

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey to Thailand? Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a quick and easy dish that packs a punch of flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. With its fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, this dish is a staple in Thai cuisine. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Thai Basil Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the level of spiciness to suit your preferences, making it enjoyable for everyone at the table. Secondly, it’s made with simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry, making it easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Finally, the fresh basil leaves bring an aromatic quality that elevates the dish, making it feel special even though it’s simple to prepare.

What You’ll Gather

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground chicken, lean, or diced chicken breast or ground turkey
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon fish sauce (or substitute hoisin sauce)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (64g)
• 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Asian Garlic Chili Sauce or Sambal Oelek, more or less to taste, for heat
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (114g)
• 1/4 cup water (57g)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2/3 cup fresh basil leaves
• Cooked Jasmine rice, for serving

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Spatula: For stirring and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping the vegetables and chicken.

Cook Thai Basil Chicken Like This

1. Heat the Oil

In a large wok or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow it to get hot but not smoking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to become translucent. Then, add the garlic and ginger, stirring frequently to avoid burning, for about 1 minute.

3. Add the Vegetables

Toss in the sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

4. Cook the Chicken

Add the ground chicken (or diced chicken breast/turkey) to the pan. Break it up with your spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Create the Sauce

Sprinkle in the light brown sugar, fish sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Asian garlic chili sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated.

6. Add Liquid and Thicken

Pour in the chicken broth and water. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then add it to the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Stir in the Basil

Finally, add the fresh basil leaves and give everything a good stir. Cook for an additional minute until the basil is wilted and fragrant.

8. Serve

Serve your Thai Basil Chicken over cooked Jasmine rice. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Ground chicken: You can use ground turkey or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Fish sauce: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute with hoisin sauce.
• Asian Garlic Chili Sauce: Use sriracha or omit for a milder dish.
• Oyster sauce: You can replace this with soy sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.

Learn from These Mistakes

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; it can steam instead of sauté, making it less flavorful.
• Adjust the level of spice gradually; you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away!
• Always use fresh basil at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it helps to thicken the sauce, creating a perfect coating for the chicken.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Thai Basil Chicken makes for excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary. For meal prep, consider making a double batch and portioning it with rice for quick lunches throughout the week.

Common Qs About Thai Basil Chicken

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even diced beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works beautifully as well.

Is Thai basil the same as regular basil?

No, Thai basil has a distinct flavor profile that includes a hint of anise and is more aromatic than regular sweet basil. However, in a pinch, you can use regular basil, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can vary based on how much of the Asian Garlic Chili Sauce or Sambal Oelek you use. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the chicken ahead and reheat it before serving. Just save the basil for last to keep it fresh!

That’s a Wrap

Thai Basil Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and full of deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, this recipe is sure to shine.

So grab your ingredients, heat up that wok, and get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Your taste buds will thank you!