Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a bold and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, spicy red chili, and fresh basil in a savory-sweet sauce. This dish is easy to make, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a punch of flavor with a balance of spice, salt, and sweetness. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 1 red chili, sliced (adjust to taste)

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and shallots and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Add Chicken: Add sliced chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Veggies: Stir in the sliced red chili and bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the peppers soften slightly.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer: Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Add Basil: Toss in fresh basil leaves and stir until they just wilt and release their fragrance.

7. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Nutrients

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 1205mg

• Sugar: 1g

This recipe provides a satisfying, flavorful meal with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet!

Why Thai Basil Chicken Is So Irresistible

What makes Thai Basil Chicken so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors. The juicy, tender chicken thighs provide a satisfying base, while the mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar creates a rich and savory sauce with a hint of sweetness. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, aromatic touch that makes the dish smell as delicious as it tastes.

The dish also has a slight kick from the red chili, which gives it just the right amount of heat. The bell peppers add color and texture, while the shallots and garlic provide a savory depth of flavor. Whether you enjoy spicy food or prefer a milder version, this dish is easily customizable to suit your preferences.

Preparing the Chicken: Tender and Flavorful

To start, the chicken thighs are sliced into thin strips, ensuring they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is ideal for this dish because they remain juicy and tender during cooking, unlike chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook it in a large pan or wok with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The chicken should be browned on all sides, taking about 5-7 minutes to cook through. The chicken pieces should be tender but not overcooked, as they’ll continue to cook slightly when combined with the vegetables and sauce.

Adding the Vegetables: Fresh and Colorful

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the vegetables. The thinly sliced shallots, red chili, and bell pepper are added to the pan and cooked for 2-3 minutes, just until the bell peppers soften slightly. The shallots become tender and aromatic, while the red chili adds a fresh, spicy bite that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.

The chili can be adjusted to your preferred spice level—if you like things spicier, leave the seeds in, or if you prefer a milder flavor, remove them before cooking. The peppers add not only a pop of color but also a slight sweetness that balances the heat of the chili.

Making the Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Rich

The sauce for Thai Basil Chicken is what really brings everything together. In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. The oyster sauce adds a rich, umami flavor, while the fish sauce adds a salty, savory depth. The soy sauce contributes an additional layer of saltiness, and the sugar helps balance out the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.

Once the sauce is mixed, pour it over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, with the sauce thickening slightly as it cooks, creating a savory, rich coating for the chicken and vegetables.

Finishing Touch: Fresh Basil

The final touch for this dish is the addition of fresh basil leaves. Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, toss in the basil leaves and stir them into the dish until they just begin to wilt. The heat from the sauce will release the basil’s fragrant oils, infusing the dish with its fresh, herbal aroma.

This step is crucial, as the fresh basil provides the distinctive flavor that defines this dish. It’s important not to overcook the basil; just toss it in at the end to maintain its bright, aromatic qualities.

Serving: A Complete Meal

Serve your Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite more satisfying. The rice also helps balance out the spice from the chili and the richness of the sauce, providing a perfect contrast to the savory chicken.

For a complete meal, consider pairing the dish with some steamed or sautéed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or bok choy would be excellent choices, adding even more texture and flavor to your meal.

Nutritional Information for Thai Basil Chicken

Each serving of Thai Basil Chicken provides approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying main dish that won’t leave you feeling overly full. The chicken provides 20 grams of protein, making it a great source of lean protein. The 18 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat, come primarily from the cooking oil and chicken, ensuring a rich, flavorful dish while still being balanced.

With only 10 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar per serving, this dish is also relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets. However, it is higher in sodium (1205 mg per serving), so be mindful of the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce you use if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. For a traditional Thai experience, pair it with jasmine rice, which complements the dish beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad to balance the rich, savory flavors.

For added texture and flavor, consider adding roasted or sautéed vegetables on the side, such as broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. The freshness and slight bitterness of the vegetables help cut through the richness of the chicken and sauce, creating a balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful Thai Classic

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is the perfect dish for anyone craving bold, aromatic flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce makes it an incredibly satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite side for a complete and delicious meal!