This Easy Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a tasty dish made with fresh basil, chicken, and a kick of garlic. It’s quick to make and super flavorful!
I love serving it over rice for a complete meal. And trust me, when that aromatic basil hits the pan, you’ll be hooked and might even want to make it every week! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the dish. You can easily swap it for ground pork if you prefer a richer flavor, or even use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Thai Holy Basil: This particular basil adds a unique peppery flavor. If you can’t find it, regular basil can work as a substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly. Some folks even use spinach in a pinch!
Chilies: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If fresh chilies aren’t available, crushed red pepper flakes can substitute, but start with less as they can be more intense.
Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce: These provide depth to the dish. If cooking for someone avoiding fish sauce, you can try using soy sauce alone or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
How Do I Properly Cook Ground Chicken for This Dish?
Cooking the ground chicken correctly is key for great flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to brown the meat, enhancing flavor.
- Break the chicken apart as it cooks. You want it to crumble nicely and cook evenly, about 5 minutes until no pink remains.
- After cooking the chicken, let it absorb the sauces for a couple of minutes to soak in all those flavors before adding the basil.
This technique not only ensures tasty chicken but also keeps it juicy and tender in the final dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Pad Krapow Gai)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or ground pork)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 small fresh red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai basil)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- 2 eggs (optional, for frying and serving on top)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish usually takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have it ready in about 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to cook the ingredients quickly!
2. Sauté Garlic and Chilies:
Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the pan. Sauté them until they are fragrant, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to let them burn!
3. Cook Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced onions and green beans. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. It should smell amazing!
4. Add the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the ground chicken. Use a spatula to break it up and stir it in. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. This will create a flavorful sauce that brings everything together!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. This is where all the flavors meld together beautifully!
7. Add the Basil:
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the fresh basil leaves. They will wilt quickly from the heat, adding that wonderful aromatic touch!
8. Fry the Eggs (Optional):
If you’re adding eggs, heat a little oil in a separate pan. Fry the eggs sunny side up until the edges are crispy. This step is optional but highly recommended for a traditional touch!
9. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a generous amount of basil chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Top it with a fried egg, if desired.
10. Garnish:
For an extra kick, garnish with additional chopped chilies or fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Enjoy this fragrant, spicy, and savory Thai classic! It’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes! Ground pork works great for a richer flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you choose.
What If I Can’t Find Thai Basil?
If you can’t find Thai holy basil, regular basil can be a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. In a pinch, you might try using spinach or even arugula for a unique twist!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make this dish milder, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the dish. Alternatively, if you love spice, feel free to add extra chilies or a dash of chili paste for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop, adding fresh basil right before serving to maintain that vibrant flavor.
