Go Back

Thai Garlic Pepper Chicken (Gai Pad Prik Tai)

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in garlic and various sauces, stir-fried to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-cm thick slices Chicken thigh is preferred for juiciness.
  • 8 cloves garlic, chopped Fresh garlic is key.
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce Essential for flavor.
  • 1 tsp Golden Mountain sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce) Offers an extra kick of umami.
  • 1 tsp fish sauce Just a hint adds amazing depth.
  • 1 tsp black soy sauce (as needed for color) Adds a beautiful glaze.
  • 1.5 tsp sugar Balances out the saltiness.
  • 0.25 tsp ground white pepper For gentle heat.
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper For additional depth.
  • 7-8 stems cilantro, chopped Fresh garnish.
  • as needed Water To prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • as needed Vegetable oil (for frying garlic) Good quality oil is crucial.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken slices with oyster sauce, soy sauce, Golden Mountain sauce, fish sauce, white pepper, and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a small pot or wok, add chopped garlic and enough vegetable oil to cover it. Fry over low heat until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Reserve the oil for later.
Cooking
  1. In a clean wok, heat about 2 tablespoons of the reserved garlic oil on high heat. Add one tablespoon of the remaining garlic oil to the marinated chicken.
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken and sugar, stirring until the chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Add a little water if the chicken starts to stick.
  4. Stir in half of the fried garlic and chopped cilantro, then remove from heat. Sprinkle the remaining fried garlic on top before serving.
  5. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite side.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marinated chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.