Phat Phet Gai or Thai Fried spicy chicken, originated fromThailand,  is a very spicy dish using lots of local herbs and fresh chillies.

What is Phat Phet Gai means?

Just in case you are wondering... what is Phat Phet anyway?
Phat Phet are 2 thai words.

Phat means Stir Fry
Phet means Spicy,
...and
Gai means chicken

This post is all about Thai Stir-fry Spicy Chicken, better known as Phat Phet Gai.


What do friends do when they chit chat all day via WhatsApp or Telegram?

Apart from exchanging news of families, politics, current affairs, we talked about food ... a lot!

The topic of Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet often being mentioned in one of our many "what are you cooking/ having for lunch/ dinner?" conversation starters.

And around Ramadan that Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet being mentioned more than ever!
Obviously, after being mentioned over and over again, the topic piqued my interest that I decided to give it a go.

For the life of me, I can't remember whether my mom cooked this dish before, perhaps she did, perhaps she did not.
Perhaps it was known as something else.
Perhaps I have eaten Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet, but I was just as clueless... back then.

How to cook Phat Phet Gai?

There are many version of Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet, and it is relatively easy dish to cook.

The traditional way of cooking, and most would cooked Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet, like cooking curry.
Bite-size chicken cut added after the spice had been sautéed in oil, and leave it to simmer until chicken cooked through.

But I prefer to fry the chicken pieces before adding to sautéd spice.

Why fry chicken pieces?

Frying chicken prior to cooking, gives the chicken a different texture. The chicken flesh is firmer and meatier.

Stew/ curry cooking, makes the chicken meat 'soggy' and soft. The flesh will be mushy if cooked for too long.

Furthermore, frying the chicken pieces makes this Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet tastier. Brings out the flavour, more intense flavour, in my humble opinion.

Below are some snippets, showing how easy it is to cook Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet.


Add chicken pieces

What is best to serve Phat Phet Gai with?

Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet is best serve with steam rice and best eaten when its piping hot.
Hot from heat and hot from the chillies. Double wham!!!

However, you can enjoy this dish when it has very much cool down (less buzz in the head from chilli heat :P)

Can I reduce the chilli?

Adjust Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet to your taste!
Its totally flexible.
You can reduce the amount of bird's eye chilli if you are not able to take the level of heat.
Similarly, you can increase the amount of chillies too.

Can I freeze Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet?

Yes, you can!

Phat Phet Gai can be frozen up to 4 weeks.
One of many reasons why I fry the chicken pieces prior :D.
The chicken meat stay firm. 

All you need to do is thaw and microwave!
Voila!! Dinner is ready.




Would you dare to take this chilli challenge by cooking Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet?

Would love to hear from you. Shoot me your experience eating Phat Phet Gai / Thai Fried Spicy Chicken / Ayam Phat Phet in the comment box below :P