Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry
A colorful and fresh stir fry featuring lemon zest and fragrant basil leaves that brighten tender chicken strips. This Asian Fusion-inspired stir-fry recipe (gluten free option), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, lemon zest, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 small, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 small thinly sliced yellow onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss gently and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon zest from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lemon Basil Chicken Stir Fry gluten free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
