Thai Basil Stir-Fry
Zesty chicken and vegetable stir-fry with coconut milk and Thai basil, balanced by lime and chili for a bold, aromatic flavor. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs Boneless chicken thighs, Coconut milk, Thai basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless chicken thighs
- 1.5 cups Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 cups mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Push vegetables to the sides of the wok. Add 1 cup coconut milk and 2 tbsp lime juice. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and blends with the vegetables.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute until the basil wilts and the aroma intensifies.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges and basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thai Basil Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Basil 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 Stir-Fry 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 Thai Basil Stir-Fry?
Thai asian 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
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better asian dishes though.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.