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Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Pad Krapow Gai Guide

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A quick and easy homemade Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) recipe that delivers bold, authentic flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (lean works best)
  • 1 packed cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
  • Optional: fresh lime wedge for serving
  • Steamed jasmine rice to serve

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince the garlic and finely chop the bird’s eye chilies. Pick the Thai basil leaves off the stems and set aside. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat the oil: place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it warm until it shimmers but isn’t smoking. (1-2 minutes)
  3. Cook garlic and chilies: toss in the minced garlic and chopped chilies, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add ground chicken: crumble the chicken into the pan. Stir and break it apart with your spatula. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until it loses its pink color but is still juicy.
  5. Mix the sauce: in a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water (or broth). Pour this over the chicken and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add basil leaves: turn off the heat, then fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir quickly to mix and wilt the leaves without overcooking.
  7. Serve immediately: spoon the flavorful chicken over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with an optional lime wedge.

Notes

If sauce is too salty, add a splash more water or a pinch of sugar to balance. Add basil last to preserve fresh aroma. For ultra-tender texture, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce. Substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option. Ground pork, turkey, or mushrooms can be used as protein swaps. Adjust chili heat to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, Pad Krapow Gai, Thai recipe, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy Thai food, ground chicken recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/flavorful-thai-basil-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-pad-krapow-gai-guide/