Stir-Fried Chicken with Shiso and Garlic

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

Tender chicken pieces quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic and fresh shiso leaves for an aromatic Japanese-inspired dish. This japanese ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, shiso leaves, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden — avoid burning.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown at edges.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sake, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce slightly reduces.
  4. Step 4: Add 10 sliced shiso leaves and 2 chopped scallions to the pan along with 1 tsp sesame oil and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute until the shiso is wilted and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or as a flavorful main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Shiso and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shiso 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

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

Japanese japanese 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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