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Thai Basil Chicken

Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 200 grams Chicken Cubes; 2 tbsp Grapeseed oil; 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce; 1 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Fish Sauce; ½ tsp Black pepper; ½ tsp Brown Sugar (– to taste); 7 Garlic cloves (); 20 grams Fresh Basil leaves (– roughly chopped); 1 Red Chilli (- Sliced); 1/4 White Onion (- Cubed); 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (- Marinate the Chicken)

ByAva
Published OnDec 21, 2024
Updated OnJun 15, 2026

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Today, we will prepare Thai basil chicken, commonly referred to as “Gai Pad Krapow,” a distinguished Thai dish characterized by its combination of chicken, sautéed garlic, chilies, and an ample quantity of Thai basil.

This recipe needs only a limited number of ingredients and can be completed in a relatively short time frame. The marinade consists of three essential components: soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce.

These primary elements are integral to Asian cuisine, enabling individuals to replicate the flavors of restaurant-quality dishes within their own kitchens. The cooking process is straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients. One of the notable attributes of this dish is its considerable versatility. In the absence of Thai basil, regular basil may serve as an acceptable substitute. While the traditional recipe from Thailand typically utilizes ground chicken, it is equally feasible to substitute this with chicken breast according to personal preference.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast, Garlic Cloves, Red Chilies, Oyster, Dark Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Brown Sugar, Basil, Onion and Leeks.

Thai basil has a spicy and peppery flavor reminiscent of anise. Garlic contributes a savory taste, while fresh red chilies bring heat to the dish. Onions add a touch of sweetness. Fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce provide umami flavor. You can add a variety of vegetables such as red bell peppers, snap peas, and green beans. Leeks are optional, as they offer an spicy flavor.

Instructions

Finely chop the onions, red chilies, garlic, and leeks. Thoroughly wash the chicken breast and cut it into cubes. If you are using ground chicken, do not wash it. Add cooking oil to the wok.

Set the temperature to medium-low. Add the aromatics and stir occasionally until they have caramelized. Add the chicken cubes, along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.

Add a little bit of water to the wok and sauté until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce turns a darker shade of brown, add the Thai basil leaves. That is it—the recipe is done. You can now enjoy it with jasmine rice. When Thai basil Chicken is paired with jasmine rice, it creates a satisfying meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. There’s no need to drive to a restaurant to enjoy Thai cooking when you can easily prepare it at home.

Expert tips

Use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. Chicken breast is one of the best cuts because it remains juicy and tender. You can also substitute chicken thighs or ground chicken if needed. Marinating the chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes will help tenderize it. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast; thicker pieces will take longer to cook. To adjust the sauce’s consistency, you can either add 1 tablespoon of water.

How to Store and Reheat the Thai Basil Chicken?

Allow the chicken to cool down before storing it in the fridge. Store the Thai basil chicken in an airtight container. It can last up to four days in the fridge and up to two months in the deep freezer. Reheat the chicken in the pan on medium-low heat. To reheat the chicken in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals. Avoid overheating the chicken in the microwave; it will make it dry and tough.

What to Serve with Thai Basil Chicken?

Thai basil curry pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, which helps absorb the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with crispy spring rolls for a crunchy contrast. For a refreshing touch, a side salad of cucumber and herbs adds brightness. If you like, a drizzle of lime juice over the curry can enhance the flavors even more.