Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Thai Basil Chicken is one of those dishes that magically transforms humble ingredients into a meal that’s brimming with vibrant flavors, savory goodness, and just the right kick of heat. In under 15 minutes, you can bring authentic Gai Pad Krapow—an iconic street food favorite from Thailand—straight to your own kitchen. Prepare yourself for savory bites, fresh basil perfume, and a satisfyingly simple cooking experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s especially wonderful about Thai Basil Chicken is that it calls for a handful of easy-to-find, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—bringing signature flavor, aroma, and color that gives this dish its irresistible personality.

• Oil (3-4 tablespoons): Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for a classic stir-fry, or swap for peanut oil for even more depth.
• Thai bird chilies or Holland chilies (3, thinly sliced): These fiery little peppers add authentic heat; deseed for less spice, or substitute with serranos or jalapeños in a pinch.
• Shallots (3, thinly sliced): Shallots give a gentle sweetness and soft texture, balancing the heat and savory notes.
• Garlic (5 cloves, sliced): Nothing beats the irresistible aroma of garlic sautéing in hot oil! Freshly sliced is key.
• Ground chicken (1 pound): This cooks up quickly, soaking in all those spicy, savory, and herbal flavors.
• Sugar or honey (2 teaspoons): Just a pinch brings subtle sweetness, rounding out the salty and spicy kick.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): This layers in umami and saltiness—opt for a light soy for a cleaner, brighter taste.
• Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Essential for classic Southeast Asian flavor; don’t skip it, as it adds big character!
• Low sodium chicken broth or water (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and helps create those delicious, flavorful juices.
• Holy basil or Thai basil leaves (1 bunch): The star of the show! These fresh leaves lend their signature peppery fragrance and vivid color.

Variations

Thai Basil Chicken is already incredibly flexible, so feel free to riff and personalize! Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, using up what’s on hand, or just craving an inventive twist, this dish happily welcomes some fun variations.

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, ground pork, or even crumbled tofu for different tastes and dietary preferences—each soaks up the basil sauce beautifully.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms during the chicken cook time for added color and crunch.
• Egg on Top: For a classic Thai touch, crown your finished dish with a golden, crispy-fried egg right before serving!
• Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce, and double check your fish sauce to ensure there’s no wheat.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start with your pan or wok blazing hot—this is key for authentic flavor and speedy cooking! Add the oil, then toss in the sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything smells and looks deeply fragrant but not browned. This first sizzle is where the flavor magic happens!

Step 2: Add and Brown the Chicken

Scatter the ground chicken into the pan and immediately start breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, letting the chicken get opaque and picking up all those toasty, garlicky notes from the pan. Don’t be shy with the stirring—quick motions mean juicy, evenly cooked chicken.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Sprinkle in the sugar (or honey), soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to coat every bit of chicken, then pour in the chicken broth or water. Give everything another good stir as the liquid bubbles up and quickly reduces—this step ensures a flavorful, glossy finish that clings to each bite.

Step 4: Add the Basil

Right when the sauce looks syrupy and the pan is nearly dry, toss in the holy or Thai basil leaves. Stir-fry just until they’re wilted, glossy, and their peppery, anise-like aroma fills the air. Turn off the heat—your Thai Basil Chicken is ready to devour!

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken

Garnishes

To finish your Thai Basil Chicken in authentic style, sprinkle on a few extra fresh basil leaves right before serving. A scattering of sliced fresh chilies or a squeeze of lime brightens everything up. For crunch, try thinly sliced scallions or crispy fried shallots.

Side Dishes

This dish was born to be served with steaming hot jasmine rice, which soaks up all those mouthwatering juices. For a heartier meal, add simple stir-fried greens, Thai cucumber salad, or even a lightly fried egg for pure comfort—just like it’s served on Bangkok’s bustling streets.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some restaurant flair to your table! Spoon Thai Basil Chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or, serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl, garnished with plenty of basil and chili slivers, so everyone can help themselves. For packed lunches, tuck the chicken over rice in meal prep containers and top with a runny-yolked fried egg.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Thai Basil Chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. For best texture, add fresh basil after reheating rather than before freezing, as the fresh leaves are much more aromatic.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep things juicy. Reheat just until hot—avoid overcooking so the chicken stays tender and the basil vibrant!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about bringing the flavors of Thai street food to your table, and Thai Basil Chicken makes it effortless and unforgettable. If you’re craving big taste in minimal time, let this quick-fix become your new favorite go-to. Gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and make tonight extra special!

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