pad kra pao chicken recipe

The Best pad kra pao chicken recipe

I’ve been cooking Pad Kra Pao, a classic Thai dish, for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and spicy sauce is a winner. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. I’ve perfected the recipe over time, and now I’m excited to share it with you. The dish hails from Thailand, where it’s known as ‘pad kra pao gai,’ which translates to ‘stir-fried meat’ or ‘chicken stir-fry.’

It’s a staple in Thai cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and simplicity. My kids love it when I serve it with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. I’ve also experimented with serving it at family gatherings, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The secret to making this dish shine lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique of stir-frying. You’ll want to use fresh herbs like basil and cilantro for the best flavor. I like to use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Pad Kra Pao Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 1618 votes

Pad Kra Pao Chicken is a classic Thai dish featuring minced chicken stir-fried with Thai holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce. It is typically served with a fried egg and steamed rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
2 lbs ground chicken

For the Stir Fry

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp chopped shallots
2 tbsp chopped Thai chilies
1 cup chopped Thai holy basil
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup water

For Serving

4 eggs
Steamed jasmine rice

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, fish sauce, white pepper, sugar, and cornstarch.
2Add ground chicken to the bowl and mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
3Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
4Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
5Add the marinated chicken to the wok and cook, breaking up any lumps, until the chicken is no longer pink and is lightly browned.
6Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
7In the same wok, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat.
8Add garlic, shallots, and chilies to the wok and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
9Be careful not to burn the garlic.
10Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water to the wok.
11Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
12Add the cooked chicken back into the wok and stir to combine with the sauce.
13Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
14Stir in the holy basil and cook for another minute until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
15Remove from heat.
16In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your desired doneness.
17Serve the pad kra pao chicken over steamed jasmine rice, top with a fried egg, and garnish with additional holy basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Wok
Spoon
Spatula
Bowl
Plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4.5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference. If Thai holy basil is not available, you can substitute with regular basil, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Watch Video Of How Pad Kra Pao Chicken Recipe Works

This Pad Kra Pao recipe has become a staple in our household for its ease of preparation and delicious taste. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at family gatherings, everyone loves this flavorful dish.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When reheating, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until hot through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pad Kra Pao Chicken

What is Pad Kra Pao?

Pad Kra Pao is a popular Thai dish made with stir-fried meat, typically chicken or pork, cooked in a spicy sauce with chilies, garlic, and herbs.

Can I make Pad Kra Pao without chilies?

No, traditional Pad Kra Pao recipes rely heavily on chilies for their signature heat and flavor. However, if you’re sensitive to spice or prefer a milder version, you can substitute the chilies with Anaheim peppers or omit them altogether.

How do I make Pad Kra Pao without fish sauce?

You can still achieve the umami flavor without fish sauce by using soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. Additionally, consider adding other ingredients like fermented shrimp paste or miso paste for depth of flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re short on time. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of your chicken pieces.

Why does my Pad Kra Pao turn out too oily?

This might be due to using too much oil while stir-frying or not draining excess moisture from your meat before cooking.

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