Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili
A vibrant Thai stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces infused with fiery chilies and fragrant holy basil leaves. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3, thinly sliced bird’s eye chilies
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup, fresh holy basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 sliced bird’s eye chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast to the wok, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp sugar, mixing well to coat the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves and 1/4 tsp white pepper, stirring until the basil wilts and releases its aroma. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili?
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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili?
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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili?
Thai thai like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of spicy and fresh—my kids devoured it with rice. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Holy basil elevates this dish to new heights! My husband even asked for the recipe after dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the holy basil aroma, though chili level was milder than expected for my taste.