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25 Minute Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.3 from 55 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful 25-minute chicken stir fry featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts infused with turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, complemented by the heat of jalapeños and the aromatic freshness of Thai basil. This quick and easy dish combines a savory honey-soy glaze with crisp bell peppers and shallots for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, ideal for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1-2 teaspoons black pepper

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded if desired, and sliced
  • 1 medium shallot, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh Thai or regular basil, chopped

Cooking Fat

  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss together the thinly sliced chicken, cornstarch, ground turmeric, ground ginger, and black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken before cooking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a glass jar or small bowl, mix the honey, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce (if using), and 1/4 cup of water. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to char slightly, enhancing their sweetness and smokiness.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, tossing to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to begin browning and absorb the flavors from the peppers and oil.
  5. Add the Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared honey and soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce slightly and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
  6. Finish with Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh Thai or regular basil, allowing its aromatic flavor to infuse the dish.
  7. Serve: Portion the chicken stir-fry into bowls, ideally over coconut lemongrass rice as suggested in the notes. Garnish with additional fresh basil for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

  • For an ideal serving, try pairing this stir-fry with coconut lemongrass rice to complement the Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level; removing seeds will reduce the heat.
  • Fish sauce is optional but adds umami depth; omit if you prefer a vegetarian option or dislike its pungency.
  • Use sesame oil for authentic flavor or extra virgin olive oil as a milder alternative.
  • Thinly slicing the chicken ensures faster, even cooking and better sauce absorption.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/25-minute-black-pepper-jalapeno-basil-chicken-stir-fry-recipe/