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Spicy Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) Recipe

Spicy Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Spicy basil chicken, a beloved Thai street classic, delivers bold flavors with tender chicken and aromatic herbs. Fiery chili peppers and fresh basil create a quick, satisfying meal that instantly transports dinner tables to bustling Bangkok streets.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 350 g (12 ounces) Chicken mince (thigh/breast)
  • 2 Eggs

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1 cup Basil leaves (Thai Holy Basil/Sweet/Italian Basil)
  • 45 Cloves Garlic
  • 45 Bird’s eye chilies
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper

Sauces and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Brown/white sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare your mise en place by finely dicing garlic cloves and Thai bird’s eye chilies, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
  2. Craft the aromatic sauce by blending ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile that will enhance the chicken.
  3. Ignite a pan over medium heat, introducing a subtle layer of vegetable oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
  4. Toss the delicate garlic pieces into the pan, allowing them to release their fragrant essence for a brief moment before introducing the fiery chilies.
  5. Introduce minced chicken to the pan, vigorously stirring and transforming its appearance from raw to a tantalizing golden hue.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, enabling it to caramelize and coat each morsel with an intense, complex flavor.
  7. Culminate the cooking process by folding fresh basil leaves and a whisper of black pepper into the mixture, creating a vibrant, aromatic finish.
  8. Present the spicy basil chicken atop a pristine bed of steamed jasmine rice, crowning the dish with a crispy fried egg for textural contrast.

Notes

  • Master the art of high-heat stir-frying to achieve the signature glossy and caramelized texture of authentic Thai street food.
  • Choose fresh Thai basil leaves for the most genuine flavor, as dried or sweet basil won’t deliver the same vibrant taste profile.
  • Bird’s eye chilies pack intense heat, so adjust the quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a perfectly balanced dish.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked quickly over medium-high heat to maintain its tenderness and prevent drying out.
  • Crispy fried eggs add a luxurious richness that complements the spicy and aromatic chicken, creating a truly satisfying meal.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the basil’s bright green color and maximum flavor intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg