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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a quick and flavorful Thai street food classic featuring ground chicken stir-fried with fresh holy basil, garlic, and fiery bird’s eye chilies. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a bold combination of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors served over fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or an authentic Asian-inspired meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 3–5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and slice the Thai bird’s eye chilies. Rinse the holy basil leaves and pat them dry to preserve their vibrant color and aroma.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and white sugar. Stir thoroughly so the chicken absorbs the flavors completely.
  5. Stir in the Basil: Turn off the heat and fold in the holy basil leaves. Let the residual warmth gently wilt the basil without losing its texture or brightness.
  6. Serve Immediately: Plate the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over freshly steamed jasmine rice and enjoy immediately for best flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh holy basil for the authentic peppery aroma; regular basil is a substitute but changes flavor.
  • Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies or remove seeds to control spiciness.
  • Cook on high heat for a good sear and tender chicken.
  • Do not skip sugar; it balances salty and spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Serve immediately to prevent the basil from wilting too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, Pad Krapow Gai, Thai street food, quick dinner, Thai basil chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/spicy-thai-basil-chicken-pad-krapow-gai/