Thai-Inspired Chicken and Basil Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, aromatic dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-tangy sauce infused with Thai basil and lime. Serve over rice for a complete meal. This thai-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, medium bell peppers, fresh Thai basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut chicken into 1-inch strips. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil (if using). Marinate chicken for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add bell peppers (sliced into 1/2-inch strips) and red onion (thinly sliced). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated chicken to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped Thai basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup water or broth, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked rice, garnished with extra basil leaves and a lime wedge.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Inspired Chicken and 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai-Inspired Chicken and 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-Inspired Chicken and 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-Inspired Chicken and Basil Stir-Fry?

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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