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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 OnMar 20, 2026

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Today, we are making Thai basil chicken, also known as ‘Gai Pad Krapow,’ a flavorful Thai dish featuring chicken, sautéed garlic, chilies, and generous amounts of Thai basil.

This recipe requires only a few ingredients and comes together quickly. The marinade uses three vital ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. These primary elements form the foundation of Asian cooking, so you can mimic restaurant food in the comfort of your home. The cooking process is pretty straightforward, with only a handful of ingredients.

One of the greatest features of this dish is its remarkable versatility. If you don’t have Thai basil, regular basil works just fine. While this dish traditionally uses ground chicken in Thailand, you can substitute it with chicken breasts if you prefer.

Ingredients to make Thai Basil Chicken

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

Thai Basil has a spicy and peppery flavour that is similar to anise. Garlic adds a savoury taste. Fresh red chilies add heat to this dish. Onions add sweetness. Fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce add an umami flavour. This recipe also uses brown sugar.

aromatics for Thai basil chicken — *Thai Basil Chicken: Sliced Leeks, Marinade comprising of Soy sauce, Oyster sauce and fish sauce. Thai basil, Slice garlic and diced onions.*

When it comes to vegetables, you can include a variety of options, such as red bell peppers, snap peas, and green beans, for enhanced nutrition and vibrant color. Leeks are optional; they provide an additional 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?

Rice like Garlic butter rice or Jasmine rice. Pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Sautéed vegetables like spinach, asparagus or Brussels sprout. Mashed potatoes with herbs or garlic. Bread like Garlic bread, baguette, or crusty bread. Salads like Caprese salad or Caesar salad.