Thai Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Kratiem Prik Thai)

Name: Thai Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Kratiem Prik Thai)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil; 30 g garlic (minced); 500 g chicken (sliced thinly, see notes); 1 teaspoon white pepper (see notes); 1/2 tablespoon white sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce

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Thai garlic pepper chicken stir-fry, also known as pad kratiem prik Thai recipe, is an easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal combines simple ingredients from your kitchen pantry to create a fast and simple dinner. Serve with steamed rice to absorb all the tasty flavors of the garlic stir-fry sauce!

Thai garlic chicken, or pad kratiem prik thai, served with steamed jasmine rice.

A fun tip is that in many of my Thai stir-fry recipes, you can simply replace the protein to create a completely new flavor and dish. For example, you can also make garlic pepper pork, or moo gratiem, by just substituting the chicken with pork. You can also use beef, or seafood like shrimp and squid.

For optimal results with this pepper garlic chicken, take a moment to read through this easy Thai chicken recipe, filled with insider tips. If you’re eager to get started right away, you can jump straight into the instructions below!

What is pad kratiem prik Thai

Pad kratiem prik Thai is a classic Thai stir-fry dish made from meat such as chicken or pork, generously seasoned with garlic and black pepper. This Thai dish is popular in Thai cuisine for its bold peppery flavor and quick preparation time.

In Thai language, pad means stir-fried, kratiem or kratiam refers to garlic, prik is pepper, and Thai denotes the style or origin of Thai. It’s also occasionally spelled as pad gratiem prik Thai and pad kra tiem prik Thai.

Thai garlic pepper chicken recipe

This Thai garlic chicken recipe is one of my most popular street food recipes and for all the right reasons.

Firstly, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. You only need one pan and a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home! The end result is a meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

Close-up of Thai garlic pepper chicken stir-fry, served with steamed white rice.

This is the exact Thai garlic stir-fry recipe that we used in our Thai restaurant. The Thai pepper chicken stir-fry sauce is slightly sweet, savory, and has a gentle spiciness from the black pepper that you can easily adjust to taste.

Thai garlic chicken customization tips

Customizing your gai kratiem prik Thai or pad gratiem prik Thai is easy and makes this recipe even more fun.

Extra garlic and pepper: If you’re here for that delicious garlic pepper flavor (of course you are) go ahead and add more pepper and garlic to taste.

Add vegetables: Feel free to toss in your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Whether it’s broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, morning glory, or anything else you prefer, gai pad kratiem is always delicious.

Protein options: You can use any type of meat and seafood you like. Vegetarians can opt for tofu instead of chicken, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.

Chicken in Thai cuisine

When it comes to Thai cooking, chicken is often used to prepare dishes like Thai massaman chicken curry and pad krapow chicken (Thai basil chicken). It’s an easy protein that’s particularly popular in Western interpretations of Thai food.

Gai pad kratiem prik Thai served with steamed rice, topped with freshly chopped green onions and fried garlic.

I’ll be honest – chicken isn’t at the top of my list. Many Thai people, including myself, prefer pork because its higher fat content delivers more flavor. That’s why garlic pepper pork is one of my favorites.

However, I do have a special place in my heart for some of my authentic Thai chicken recipes, such as marinated Thai chicken wings grilled to perfection over charcoal. But hey, whether you’re team chicken or lean more towards pork, this recipe is incredibly versatile and always delicious!

Ingredients

Pad kratiem recipe ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Chicken – You can make garlic pepper chicken breast (skinless or skin on for extra flavor) or opt for other boneless cuts like chicken thighs.
Dark soy sauce – This soy sauce adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor and gives the chicken a deep, darker color.
Oyster sauce – A staple in Thai cooking, oyster sauce brings a blend of savory and salty notes.
White pepper – Both white and black pepper are great choices. For a more peppery heat, use crushed black peppercorns, or opt for white pepper if you want to highlight the garlic flavor in the garlic pepper sauce.
White sugar – Sugar is essential for balancing out the salty, savory flavors with a slight sweetness.
Garlic – The key ingredient – don’t hold back on the garlic, the more, the better. In fact, serving gai pad kratiem with a side of raw garlic cloves is encouraged!
Oil – Use a neutral flavored oil with high smoke point, like canola oil or vegetable oil.
Crispy fried garlic & green onions (optional) – For garnishing.

How to make pad gratiem

Step 1: Heat oil in your wok over medium, add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant.

Garlic chicken in sauce cooking in a wok.

Step 2: Add your thinly sliced chicken pieces and stir-fry until they’re cooked.

Chicken pieces cooking in Thai seasonings.

Step 3: Add all sauces and seasonings: white pepper (or black pepper), oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and white sugar. Thoroughly mix and cook until the sugar is fully dissolved. Serve immediately with rice and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and optionally fried garlic bits.

Kitchenware

Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board and a sharp knife
Large wok pan with spatula or non-stick skillet

Serving suggestions

Serve garlic pepper chicken stir-fry as a main course alongside a portion of steamed jasmine rice. You can present your pad kratiem prik Thai either in a separate dish or atop the rice. It also pairs great with other Thai dishes as a side.

Complete it with a side of Thai vegetables stir-fry, top with a Thai fried egg, and serve with a side of Thai hot sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce. If you’re here for the spice, a sprinkle of Thai chili flakes or a dash of sliced chilies during cooking will make things spicier.

How to store Thai garlic stir-fry

Storing: To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days.

Reheating: Reheat your Thai garlic chicken in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use the microwave.

What to do with leftover garlic chicken

You can turn your leftovers into a brand-new dish by using them to make a garlic-infused fried rice with leftover rice, or tuck them into lettuce wraps for a quick and light meal. For a refreshing dish, toss them into a salad, like this spicy Thai chicken salad.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

For the best flavor, it’s ideal to enjoy this meal fresh off the stove. Cooking it in advance and reheating may cause the chicken to dry out. However, you can certainly slice the chicken and prepare your other ingredients beforehand.

Is pad kratiem spicy?

Pad kratiem prik Thai is not typically considered a spicy dish. The focus is on the flavors of garlic and black pepper, which provide a bold and aromatic taste without the heat associated with many Thai dishes that use chili peppers.

Authentic Thai chicken stir fry recipes

Chicken pineapple fried rice
Authentic chicken pad Thai (rice noodles and chicken)
Gai pad med mamuang (Thai cashew chicken)
Chicken pad see ew
Pad priew wan (Thai sweet and sour chicken)
Pad kee mao

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