Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Thai stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces infused with fiery chilies and fragrant holy basil leaves. This 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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.

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