Description
This Thai Basil Chicken (Gai Pad Krapow) is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring fragrant holy basil, fiery chilies, and juicy ground chicken, finished with a savory sauce. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that captures authentic Thai flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
3 to 4 tablespoons oil3 Thai bird chilies or holland chilies (de-seeded if desired and thinly sliced)
3 shallots (thinly sliced)
5 cloves garlic (sliced))
Protein
1 pound ground chickenSauces & Flavorings
2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water)
Herbs
1 bunch holy or Thai basil leavesInstructions
- Prepare the aromatics: In a wok or large skillet over high heat, add the oil, sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until cooked through and starting to brown.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir and cook quickly until the liquid mostly evaporates, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Finish with basil: Add the basil leaves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until they are wilted and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice to enjoy the authentic flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the number of chilies.
- Holy basil can be replaced with Thai basil if unavailable, but authentic flavor may vary.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately for maximum freshness of basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 933 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
