Hello, food lovers! Are you in the mood for a quick, tasty, and aromatic dish that’s bursting with bold Thai flavors? Look no further—20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is the perfect choice. This authentic Thai recipe is packed with fragrant basil, garlic, and chilies, making it a go-to meal for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying and full of flavor. Let’s get ready to whip up this delicious dish and bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
Introduction: The Vibrant World of Thai Basil Chicken
20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow, is a classic Thai dish adored for its rich, vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. With a few basic ingredients like ground chicken, chilies, garlic, and Thai basil, you can create an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for both quick dinners and special occasions. This dish truly embodies the best of Thai cuisine—simplicity, fresh ingredients, and bold, aromatic flavors. If you love quick and easy meals with a punch of flavor, this Thai Basil Chicken will be a hit!
Ingredients for Thai Basil Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Thai Basil Chicken:
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium green chili, chopped (for mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium and gluten-free options available)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or Sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Avocado oil for cooking
Optional for serving:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 fried eggs
- Prawn crackers for added crunch
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Related recipe: Don’t forget to try our Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread!
Step-by-Step Instructions for 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating avocado oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions or shallots and sauté until they soften, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the garlic and green chili, making sure the oil is hot enough to release all those wonderful aromas. This step creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the aromatics are softened, add the ground chicken to the pan. Break the chicken into small pieces with your spatula and stir frequently. You want to cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked but still juicy, taking care not to overcook.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Now, it’s time to bring the flavors together. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir everything well and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, infusing the chicken with a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor.
Step 4: Wilt the Basil and Add Chili
Now comes the heart of the dish—the Thai basil. Add the basil leaves along with the red chili to the pan. Stir gently until the basil wilts but stays vibrant. If your mixture is too dry, you can add a small splash of water to create more sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your flavorful Thai Basil Chicken over a warm bed of steamed rice. For an added touch, top with a fried egg, which brings a rich creaminess to the dish. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh green onions, and some extra basil leaves for a visually stunning plate.
Tips for Perfecting Your Thai Basil Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh Thai basil for that authentic flavor, though regular basil can substitute in a pinch.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of chilies or the amount of chili sauce based on your spice tolerance. If you like it hotter, don’t be shy about adding more!
- Protein Substitutes: Ground pork, beef, or turkey work just as well in this recipe, offering flexibility if you want to switch up the protein.
- Make It Saucy: If you prefer a saucier dish, simply add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or a bit of water while cooking.
Key Cooking Tips for Thai Basil Chicken
- Choose the Right Oil: Avocado oil is great for high-heat cooking, but you can also use vegetable or peanut oil if you prefer.
- Wok vs. Pan: A wok works wonderfully for this dish because of its high sides, making it easier to toss ingredients without spilling.
- Rice Pairing: Jasmine rice or another fragrant rice variety is the perfect match for this dish’s bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions for a Full Thai Experience
Pair your Thai Basil Chicken with these side dishes to complete the meal:
- Cucumber Salad: A fresh cucumber salad with a zesty lime dressing will cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a cool contrast.
- Fried Rice: For extra depth of flavor, serve the chicken over garlic fried rice instead of plain rice.
- Thai Iced Tea: The creamy sweetness of Thai iced tea is an ideal companion to the heat of Pad Gai Krapow.
Nutritional Information for 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Per Serving)
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 5g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerating: Store any leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for up to a month. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, you can! Regular basil will give you a slightly different flavor—less anise-like than Thai basil—but it still works beautifully.
How can I control the spice level?
To adjust the heat, reduce or increase the amount of chili and garlic chili sauce to your liking. For extra spice, feel free to add more fresh chilies.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! Ground pork, beef, or turkey are great alternatives to chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your fish sauce and oyster sauce are also gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Wonder
And there you have it—a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something with a punch of flavor, this dish will hit the spot. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—share your thoughts or any twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. For more mouthwatering recipes, check out our Peanut Butter Ganache Desserts and other tasty dishes!