If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and lively aromas, look no further than this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe. Juicy, tender chicken thighs perfectly sautéed with fragrant garlic, fiery chilies, and a vibrant handful of fresh basil make every bite exciting. The harmonious blend of savory sauces and a touch of sweetness brings out authentic Thai street food vibes right in your own kitchen, making this dish a fantastic choice for a quick yet unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, lending layers of flavor and creating the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty. The simplicity of the components lets the natural taste of the chicken shine while enhancing it with classic Thai seasonings and fresh herbs.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce, helping to meld the ingredients together beautifully.
- Oyster sauce: Provides a rich umami boost that enriches the overall taste of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and color, balancing the sweet and spicy tones.
- Fish sauce: A signature Thai ingredient that adds complex savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- White sugar: Just a touch to moderate the heat and enhance the natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Offers a deeper caramel flavor that rounds out the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Chicken thighs: Use skinless and boneless for tender, juicy pieces that soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- Shallots: Add subtle sweetness and a milder onion flavor to complement the garlic and chilies.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Thai chilies: The heart of the spice, giving the dish that signature bold kick; Serrano peppers are a great substitute if needed.
- Fresh basil leaves: The star herb—fresh, aromatic, and adding a burst of herbal brightness to finish off the dish perfectly.
- Hot cooked rice: A must-have to soak up all the saucy goodness and make this a hearty meal.
How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
Start by getting everything together and measuring out your ingredients. Having everything prepped and close at hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Whisk chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until the sugars have dissolved and everything is well blended. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering the sweet, salty, and savory flavors that define Pad Krapow Gai.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over high heat, drizzle in vegetable oil, then add the chopped chicken thighs. Stir-fry quickly until the chicken pieces lose their raw color—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Cooking on high heat seals in juices, creating tender, flavorful meat.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Chilies
Stir in sliced shallots, minced garlic, and the finely chopped chilies. Keep the heat high and cook until the mixture starts caramelizing and turning golden at the bottom of the pan, around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds a depth of flavor and a faint smokiness.
Step 5: Add the Sauce in Stages
Pour about a tablespoon of your sauce mixture into the pan and stir until it begins to caramelize, around 1 minute. Then add the remaining sauce, stirring well to deglaze the pan and lift up all those delicious browned bits. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and nicely coats the chicken.
Step 6: Incorporate the Basil
Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the fresh basil leaves. Toss the mixture quickly, allowing the heat to wilt the basil just enough so it releases its sweet, peppery aroma without losing its vibrant green color.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your beautiful Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) hot, preferably over steaming, freshly cooked rice so the luscious sauce can be soaked up with every bite. Enjoy the fantastic burst of flavors and textures!
How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a fried egg on top is a beloved traditional touch that offers a creamy richness to balance out the spiciness. Fresh cucumber slices or finely chopped green onions add a refreshing crunch that complements the bold flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed or jasmine rice, which perfectly absorbs the savory sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make for a vibrant and healthy accompaniment that balances the heat and adds texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe in lettuce cups for a light, handheld option. You can also plate it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or alongside a crisp Asian slaw for some textural contrast and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more after resting, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze without the rice and prepare fresh rice when serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the chicken from drying out, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken a bit rubbery and unevenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when stir-frying, giving a richer flavor and tender texture that’s perfect for this recipe.
What can I substitute for Thai chilies if I can’t find them?
Serrano peppers or even jalapeños can be used as alternatives, though Serranos are closer in heat and flavor. Adjust the amount to match your preference for spice level.
Is this dish very spicy?
The traditional Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe definitely has a kick, thanks to fresh chilies, but you can easily dial the heat up or down according to taste by adjusting the amount of peppers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use firm tofu or a plant-based meat substitute instead of chicken, and swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian seasoning to keep that savory umami flavor.
What’s the best way to wash and prepare Thai basil?
Rinse your Thai basil leaves gently under cold water, then pat dry with a kitchen towel or spin in a salad spinner. Remove the leaves from the stems before adding to the dish, as the leaves are what brighten the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Thailand into your home, full of heat, aroma, and satisfying textures. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly delicious — perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something flavorful and comforting. Give it a try, and I promise this will become one of your go-to recipes that friends and family will ask for again and again!
