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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Finished spicy Thai basil chicken served with steamed white rice in a blue ceramic bowl.

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

This flavorful and spicy Thai basil chicken is a quick stir-fry that’s packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes. A simple yet delicious dinner ready in minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 715
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup chicken broth Use low-sodium for a healthier option
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce Can be found in Asian markets
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or adjust to taste, choose low-sodium if preferred
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce Gives the dish authentic umami flavor
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar Balances the savory flavors
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar Adds depth of flavor
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For stir-frying, any neutral oil works
  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped (Chicken thighs give better flavor and texture)
  • ¼ cup sliced shallots Add mild onion flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness)
  • 2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies Serrano, or other hot pepper (Adjust to desired spice level)
  • 1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves Traditionally Thai basil, but sweet basil works too
  • 2 cups hot cooked rice Serve the chicken over warm rice

Method
 

  1. Combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl and whisk together. mix
  2. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped chicken and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is no longer raw. prep
  3. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and chopped chilies to the skillet. Continue cooking over high heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the juices to caramelize. prep
  4. Pour in about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until the sauce begins to caramelize on the skillet. mix
  5. Add the rest of the sauce to the skillet and continue to stir and cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. mix
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced basil leaves, cooking for about 20 seconds until the basil wilts from the residual heat. finish
  7. Serve the chicken with hot cooked rice and enjoy this flavorful dish! assemble

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 715kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 50gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 25mg

Notes

Quick, savory, and spicy, this Thai basil chicken is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The recipe is customizable with your favorite heat level and basil variety.

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