Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pad Krapow is a popular Thai street food dish known for its vibrant flavors and quick preparation. This Easy Thai Basil Chicken combines succulent chicken with aromatic Thai basil, chilies, and garlic, all stir-fried in a savory sauce. It’s bold, spicy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any weeknight meal or when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.
ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
- Garlic (minced)
- Thai bird’s eye chilies (finely chopped)
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Rice (for serving)
- Optional: Fried egg (for topping)
directions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well.
- Once the chicken is coated in the sauce, add the fresh Thai basil leaves and cook until wilted.
- Serve over a bed of rice and top with a fried egg if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2-3 people.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Use ground chicken, pork, or beef instead of chicken breast or thighs.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch.
- Use brown rice or noodles instead of white rice for a different twist.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it again in a hot pan for a couple of minutes, or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
What is Pad Krapow?
Pad Krapow is a Thai stir-fry dish featuring a protein (typically chicken, pork, or beef), stir-fried with Thai basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce.
Can I make Pad Krapow without Thai bird’s eye chilies?
You can substitute with other chilies or even chili flakes, but the dish won’t have the same authentic heat and flavor.
What kind of rice should I use?
Jasmine rice is the most common choice, but you can use any rice you prefer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I substitute the fish sauce?
Yes, you can use soy sauce as a substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
Easy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow) is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the bold tastes of Thailand to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply want a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely hit the spot. The combination of savory sauce and fresh basil makes it a standout meal.
Print
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Pad Krapow)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow) is a flavorful and spicy stir-fried dish made with chicken, Thai basil, and a savory sauce. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Add sliced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves. Mix until the basil wilts and the chicken is coated in the sauce.
- Serve the dish hot with steamed rice, and optionally drizzle with lime juice for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more bird’s eye chilies or use chili paste.
- You can substitute chicken with ground turkey or pork for different variations.
- Thai basil can be found in most Asian grocery stores; it has a distinct peppery flavor that is essential for this dish.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for an authentic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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