20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) Recipe
Introduction
This 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow, is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining aromatic basil, spicy chilies, and juicy ground chicken, it delivers a satisfying meal with a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot (diced or shallots roughly chopped)
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 garlic cloves
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil
- 1 medium red chili (chopped roughly)
- 1 medium mild hot green pepper (chopped)
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium if possible and gluten-free if using)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons liquid honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or sriracha (or other hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup uncooked rice for serving
- 2-3 stalks of green onion for garnish
- More basil leaves for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Prawn crackers for serving
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop the garlic cloves using a knife or press, and roughly chop the green chilies.
- Step 2: Heat a small amount of avocado oil in a nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion or shallots and sauté for a few minutes until soft.
- Step 3: Add the garlic and green chili to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink but still juicy—avoid overcooking.
- Step 5: Stir in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Add the chopped red chili and basil leaves.
- Step 6: Continue stirring until the basil wilts and releases its aroma, keeping its vibrant green color. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water to create more sauce.
- Step 7: Serve the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice. Top with fried eggs, prawn crackers, green onion slices, extra basil leaves, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use Thai basil for authentic flavor, but regular sweet basil works well in a pinch.
- Adjust the quantity of chili according to your spice preference, or substitute with milder peppers.
- For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu and omit fish and oyster sauces.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a fresh, tangy twist.
Storage
Store leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender and basil fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, finely chop or mince chicken breast as a substitute, but ground chicken is preferred for the right texture and moisture.
What can I use if I don’t have Thai basil?
Regular sweet basil is a good alternative, though it has a milder flavor. You can also try a mix of basil and mint for a slightly different but delicious taste.
Print20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) Recipe
This 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring ground chicken sautéed with garlic, chilies, and fragrant Thai basil. Enhanced with a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness, this authentic Thai street food favorite is served over steamed rice and topped with a fried egg, green onions, and sesame seeds for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 8 oz ground chicken
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced or roughly chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium mild hot green pepper, chopped
- 2–3 stalks green onion, sliced for garnish
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil (preferably Thai basil)
- More basil leaves for garnish
Sauces and Seasonings
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium and gluten-free if possible)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons liquid honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or sriracha (or other hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Serving
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 fried eggs
- Prawn crackers
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic cloves using a knife or garlic press, and roughly chop the green and red chilies. Dice or roughly chop the brown onion or shallots.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a suitable amount of avocado oil in a nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions or shallots and sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the chopped garlic and green chili to the pan. Ensure there is enough oil to carry the aromas.
- Cook the Chicken: After about 30 seconds, add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is no longer pink inside, keeping it juicy but avoiding overcooking.
- Add Sauces and Basil: Stir in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Add the chopped red chili and basil leaves to the mixture.
- Finish and Adjust: Stir everything together until the basil wilts and releases its aroma, maintaining its vibrant green color. If the dish seems too dry, add a splash of water to create more sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cooked Thai basil chicken over steamed rice. Top with a fried egg and serve alongside prawn crackers for texture and creaminess. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra basil leaves, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- For an authentic flavor, use Thai basil; however, regular basil is an acceptable substitute.
- Use gluten-free soy sauces if dietary restrictions require it.
- Adjust the chili quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prawn crackers add a delightful crunchy texture and creaminess.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, Pad Gai Krapow, Thai stir-fry, ground chicken recipe, quick Thai dinner
