Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) – An Easy Weeknight Recipe
Spicy Basil Chicken – get dinner on the table in just minutes with this super easy chicken recipe. Experience great Asian flavors with just the right amount of kick. Add your favorite veggies to transform it into a complete, satisfying meal!
Life gets busy, and finding truly easy dinner ideas is a constant quest, no matter the season. Whether it’s the rush of the school year or the relaxed, yet often packed, summer evenings, having delicious chicken dinner ideas that come together fast is invaluable. This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe is a perfect solution, especially during the summer months when fresh basil grows in abundance and I’m always looking for creative ways to use it.
My family, if you haven’t visited before, absolutely loves Asian-inspired recipes. Dishes like Chicken Lo Mein are a regular staple in our household. There’s a special joy in being able to whip up a flavorful meal that rivals takeout, especially when it helps clear out the fresh vegetables from the fridge. Recipes like Kung Pao Chicken are another fantastic example of how quick and satisfying an Asian dinner can be. This Thai Basil Chicken dish fits right into that category – it’s packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and is incredibly fast to prepare.
Thai Basil Chicken, known as Pad Krapow Gai in Thailand, is a quintessential Thai stir-fry found on nearly every Thai restaurant menu. It’s celebrated for its quick cooking time and its irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all elevated by copious amounts of fresh Thai basil. Traditionally, it’s served steaming hot over jasmine rice. While the authentic version often focuses heavily on the chicken and basil, I love to enhance this dish at home by incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables, turning it into a more complete and nutritious meal that can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. This adaptability makes it not just a meal, but a canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to use whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Basil Chicken
Creating this delicious Spicy Thai Basil Chicken requires a few key ingredients that come together to form its signature flavor profile. Most of these are readily available, and a few can be found in the international aisle of your grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying, a neutral oil with a high smoke point is best.
- Shallot or Onion: Provides a foundational aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic: Essential for depth of flavor in almost any Asian dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, uniform pieces for quick and even cooking. Thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
- Fish Sauce: A non-negotiable ingredient for authentic Thai flavor, offering umami and salinity.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements, typically granulated sugar.
- Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness.
- Chili Garlic Paste: This is where the “spicy” kick comes from. Adjust to your heat preference!
- Water: Helps create the sauce and prevents it from being too thick.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to give the sauce its glossy, clingy texture.
- Basil: Fresh basil is key, preferably Thai basil for the most authentic taste.
- Vegetables: I often use snow peas and bell peppers for color and crunch, but feel free to get creative.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is the ability to customize the spice level. I typically use about 2 teaspoons of chili garlic paste, which provides a pleasant, gentle warmth without being overwhelmingly hot. However, if you love a fiery kick, feel free to add more. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and gradually increase to your desired heat. Always taste and adjust as you go to achieve the perfect balance for your palate.
This basil chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to incorporate any vegetables your family enjoys or whatever you happen to have in your refrigerator. While traditional Thai Basil Chicken might not feature a wide array of vegetables, often highlighting just the chicken and large pieces of basil, at home, I seize the opportunity to bulk it up. Adding vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or even mushrooms not only adds vibrant color and texture but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a complete and wholesome meal. This is a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets their daily dose of greens (and reds and yellows!).
Crafting Your Thai Basil Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Like many delectable Asian recipes, preparing Thai Basil Chicken is surprisingly straightforward. The key to a successful stir-fry is organization, often referred to as “mise en place” – having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Once the heat is on, things move very quickly!
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by placing your wok or a heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to get super hot – this is crucial for achieving that characteristic stir-fry crispness. Once hot, add the vegetable oil, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped shallots (or onion) and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir constantly for approximately 1 minute. You want them to become fragrant and slightly softened, but not browned. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your dish.
- Cook the Chicken and First Veggies: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly golden. About halfway through this cooking time (around the 5-minute mark), introduce the bell pepper to the pan, allowing it to soften slightly while retaining a bit of crunch.
- Whisk the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare your flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, granulated sugar, soy sauce (low sodium is recommended), chili garlic paste, water, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Combine and Thicken: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared fish sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and bell peppers in the pan. Immediately add the snow peas. Stir everything continuously to ensure all the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken to a beautiful, glossy consistency that clings to the ingredients.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the pan from the heat. This is the moment to stir in the fresh basil. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic oils without overcooking it, preserving its vibrant flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken immediately to serving plates and spoon it generously over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. The rice will soak up all the delicious, spicy-sweet sauce, completing the meal.
The beauty of stir-frying is its speed and simplicity. By having everything prepped and ready, you can enjoy a fresh, homemade Thai meal in under 20 minutes from start to finish!
Understanding Thai Basil: A Distinctive Herb
How is Thai Basil Different?
Thai basil is a unique herb, a cultivar of basil that is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thailand. While it shares the “basil” name with its common Italian or sweet basil counterpart, it possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart. Visually, its leaves are typically smaller and sturdier, often with purplish stems and flowers, contrasting with the broader, softer leaves of sweet basil. Flavor-wise, Thai basil offers a more robust and complex profile, featuring pronounced notes of anise or licorice, along with a slight peppery undertone. This unique flavor contributes significantly to the authenticity of Thai dishes. Furthermore, its sturdier texture means it holds up exceptionally well to cooking, retaining its flavor and structure even when subjected to high stir-fry heat.
Don’t Have Thai Basil? No Problem!
If you find yourself without Thai basil, don’t fret! You can absolutely use the more traditional fresh basil (often called sweet basil or Genovese basil) that is commonly found in grocery stores across the US. While the flavor profile will be slightly different, lacking that distinctive anise note, your dish will still be incredibly delicious and fragrant. The key is to add it at the very end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and texture, as sweet basil wilts more easily than its Thai counterpart. Thai basil can sometimes be a bit challenging to locate, but if you do spot it at an Asian market or a specialty grocery store, this dish is the perfect opportunity to experience its authentic aroma and taste. Either way, fresh basil is non-negotiable for that bright, herbaceous finish.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons to make this vibrant Thai Basil Chicken a regular in your meal rotation. First and foremost, its incredible speed makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 20 minutes, making it faster and healthier than ordering takeout. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible: a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy notes, all brightened by the fresh basil. It’s a dish that awakens the palate without being overly complicated. Beyond its deliciousness, it’s also highly customizable. You have complete control over the spice level, making it perfect for families with varying heat preferences, and you can load it up with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and texture. This flexibility ensures that every batch can be tailored exactly to your liking, using up whatever fresh produce is available and keeping your meals exciting.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
The traditional way to serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is over a generous bed of fluffy, steamed jasmine rice. The rice acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up all the flavorful, slightly thickened sauce and complementing the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. For those looking for alternatives, brown rice or quinoa can offer a healthier, more fibrous base. If you’re cutting down on carbs, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or even as a filling in fresh lettuce wraps for a refreshing, crunchy bite. Don’t forget a garnish of extra fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to elevate the presentation and add another layer of fresh flavor. A side of a simple cucumber salad or some spring rolls would also make for a wonderful, complete Asian-inspired feast.
So, whether you’re staring at an abundance of basil from your garden or simply craving a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal, this Thai Basil Chicken is an excellent choice. Its slightly spicy kick and the versatility to incorporate any vegetables you desire make this chicken stir-fry a truly filling and delightful dinner. I particularly enjoy serving it with plenty of sauce to ensure every bite of rice is infused with flavor. It’s a fantastic dinner that’s ready in mere minutes, making it absolutely perfect for any night of the week when you need a delicious and efficient meal solution.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this quick and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken, you’re likely always on the lookout for more easy dinner solutions. Here are some other family favorites that promise convenience without compromising on taste:
- Shrimp Summer Rolls: Fresh, light, and perfect for warmer weather.
- Ranch Cheddar Chicken: A cheesy, savory chicken dish that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, flavorful shrimp made easy in your air fryer.
- Cheeseburger Pizza: A fun, creative twist on two comfort food classics.
- Easy Sesame Chicken: Another takeout favorite, made healthier at home.
- Pork Lo Mein: A hearty noodle dish packed with rich flavors.
- Creamy Beef Pasta: A comforting and satisfying pasta dish for any night.
Spicy Basil Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce, (low sodium)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chili garlic paste
- 1/2 Tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
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Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil, swirling to coat. Add shallots and garlic, stirring constantly, cook for 1 minute.
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Add chicken to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Add the bell pepper about 1/2 way through the cooking time.
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In a small bowl combine fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, chili paste, water, cornstarch and salt. Mix well.
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Pour fish sauce mixture over the chicken once it is cooked. Add snow peas. Stir to coat chicken and cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture thickens.
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Remove form the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
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Serve over rice.
Notes
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-basil-chicken
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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