This Easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal! With chicken, fresh basil, and colorful veggies, it’s packed with flavor and goodness.
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. Trust me, the smell of basil cooking will make your kitchen feel like a Thai restaurant!
I love serving it with fluffy rice. It’s simple, delicious, and makes me feel like a chef every time I cook it. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: A classic choice for this dish. However, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using chicken breast, slice it thinly for quick cooking.
Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: These chilies pack heat! If they’re too spicy for you, use fewer or substitute with regular red chili flakes. For milder flavor, bell peppers can replace them entirely.
Thai Basil Leaves: This herb gives the dish its unique flavor. If unavailable, sweet basil works too, though it’s a bit sweeter. Fresh herbs make a big difference, but dried basil is a distant second.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce for a different dimension. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor Balance?
To get the most out of your stir-fry, focus on balancing salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. The soy sauce and oyster sauce provide a savory depth, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to complement the heat from the chilies.
- Start with the oil and ensure it’s hot enough before adding garlic and chilies.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let each component meld together. This is especially important after adding the sauce!
- Taste before serving! If it needs more salt, add a splash of soy sauce. For more heat, mix in additional chilies.
Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite of this delicious dish! It’s a great way to bring the taste of Thailand right into your kitchen.
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Gai)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or thinly sliced chicken breast)
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (sweet basil can be used if Thai basil unavailable)
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
- Fried egg(s), for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time. You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding other ingredients for the best flavor.
2. Cook the Garlic and Chilies:
Add the minced garlic and chopped bird’s eye chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and the garlic starts to lightly brown.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken (or sliced chicken breast). Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Toss in the Vegetables:
If you’re using them, now’s the time to add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water. This sauce will bring all the flavors together!
6. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and veggie mixture. Stir well and allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine all the flavors and let the sauce thicken slightly.
7. Add the Basil:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves until they are wilted from the heat but still vibrant in color.
8. Serve!
Serve your delicious Thai Basil Chicken immediately over steamed jasmine rice. If you want to elevate it further, top with a fried egg for that authentic touch. Enjoy!
Bon appétit! You’re going to love this flavorful and easy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using chicken breast or thighs, slice them thinly to ensure quick cooking.
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of Thai bird’s eye chilies or substitute them with sweet bell peppers. You can also use crushed red pepper flakes for a more manageable spice level.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian/Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian or vegan, use tofu instead of chicken and substitute the oyster sauce with a mushroom-based or soy sauce alternative. Check the fish sauce too – there are vegan alternatives available!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry. Enjoy it with fresh rice for a quick meal!
