Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A quick and aromatic Asian stir-fry with chicken, Thai basil, bell peppers, and a spicy-sweet sauce. This asian-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, Thai basil, bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

400g chicken thighs
1/2 cup Thai basil
1 bell pepper
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Tip: Use a wok for even heat distribution and quick cooking.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is tender-crisp with some bite. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Add the chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. Tip: Press down on the chicken with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan for better browning.
Step 4: Stir in the soy sauce, honey, and Thai basil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and the chicken is fully cooked through. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, cook a minute longer.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or honey if desired, then serve immediately over rice or noodles. Tip: Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Thai 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai 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 Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry 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.

Is Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.