Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 serrano pepper , seeds removed and thinly sliced; ½ red bell pepper , thinly sliced; 3 shallots , thinly sliced; 5 garlic cloves , diced; 1 pound ground chicken; ⅓ cup reduced sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves

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Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right into your kitchen. This wonderfully aromatic stir-fry is packed with tender ground chicken, a medley of colorful veggies, and, of course, fresh Thai basil. What sets this dish apart is the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements, creating a dish that is truly satisfying. When you take your first bite, you’ll notice how the warmth of the chile pepper mingles perfectly with the sweetness of the bell pepper and the fragrant basil.

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I first encountered this dish during a visit to a local Thai restaurant, and it quickly became a favorite. It struck me how something so simple could evoke such richness and depth of flavor. Since then, I’ve been re-creating this masterpiece at home, and I can assure you: it’s much easier than it looks! Whipping up this Thai Basil Chicken takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent weeknight dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. I can’t wait for you to try it; I know it will become a hit in your household, just like it has in mine.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Thai Basil Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have dinner ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Experience the explosion of tastes from fresh herbs and spices that will tickle your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colors of bell pepper and basil make this dish as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for a casual weeknight meal or those guests you’re excited to impress.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free or low-carb diets by swapping chicken with tofu or zucchini noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle flavor and richness. Can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil.
1 serrano pepper, seeds removed and thinly sliced: Adds heat; adjust quantity according to your spice preference.
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Sweetness balances the spice; feel free to use any color of bell pepper.
3 shallots, thinly sliced: They provide a sweet onion flavor; yellow onions can be used in a pinch.
5 garlic cloves, diced: Brings warmth and depth; use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
1 pound ground chicken: The protein of choice here, but feel free to use turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
⅓ cup reduced sodium chicken broth: Helps create a sauce without too much sodium; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Offers umami flavor; tamari is a great alternative for gluten-free diets.
2 teaspoons rice vinegar: Adds tanginess; can be replaced with apple cider vinegar if needed.
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: A sweet-tasting sauce that enhances the dish’s depth; look for gluten-free versions if necessary.
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: Brings heat and garlic flavor; adjust to your taste.
2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances flavors; substitute with honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
2 tablespoons water: Helps incorporate the cornstarch and create a smooth sauce.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce; use arrowroot starch for a grain-free option.
⅔ cup fresh basil leaves: The star of the dish; Thai basil has a more aromatic flavor, but sweet basil will work in a bind.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup reduced sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced serrano pepper, red bell pepper, shallots, and diced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add Ground Chicken: Stir in the 1 pound ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into small pieces with your spatula—about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes as it thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Finish with Basil: Add ⅔ cup of fresh basil leaves and stir-fry until they wilt—this should only take about a minute. Serve your delicious creation over rice, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through. If you’re looking to store it longer, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the basil may change when reheating, so fresh basil added just before serving can liven it up again!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the garlic as it can turn bitter; sauté it just until fragrant.
Ensure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients to keep the chicken juicy.
Always taste the sauce before pouring it in; you can adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
If the sauce is too thick after cooking, just add a tablespoon of water while stirring it to loosen it back up.
Consider adding other vegetables like baby corn or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

When it comes to Thai Basil Chicken, it’s easy to see why this dish has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many. It’s not just a quick meal; it’s also a delightful blend of flavors that feels like a hug for your palate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit various dietary needs. If you want to add your twist, feel free to experiment with the spices or vegetables. You’ve got everything you need to whip up this dish that’s sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different protein in Thai Basil Chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily swap ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the protein is cooked thoroughly, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Slice your vegetables and mix the sauce before your meal prep day, storing everything in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it will come together quickly!

Is Thai Basil necessary for this recipe?

While Thai basil brings a distinctive flavor that defines the dish, you can substitute with sweet basil. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make Thai Basil Chicken gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking labels on all sauces for gluten-free certification.

⭐ If you make my Thai Basil Chicken recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇