Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Garlic

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

Tender chicken pieces seared with fresh holy basil and garlic in a savory-sweet sauce, served over jasmine rice for a fragrant, restaurant-quality meal. This thai-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, vegetable oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet with minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add holy basil and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken to skillet, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Garlic?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Garlic?

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 Garlic 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil and Garlic?

Thai chicken 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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