Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry
A quick and vibrant stir fry that combines tender chicken with spicy jalapeños and fragrant basil, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Juicy and tender, the chicken serves as the perfect canvas for bold flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Essential for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture and flavor.
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced Remove seeds for less heat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and savory, garlic elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced Sweet and crispy; becomes tender and fragrant when cooked.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced Brightens up the dish.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Lends a fragrant, herbal essence.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adds umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon black pepper Offers delightful warmth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) A hint of sweetness and richness.
- to taste salt To bring all the flavors together.
- for serving cooked rice or noodles Perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, thinly slice the jalapeño, onion, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh basil leaves.
Cooking
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Incorporate the sliced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño into the skillet and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir to coat, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves.
Serving
- Taste the stir-fry and season with salt as needed, adjusting the black pepper to your preference.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice or toss with noodles.
Notes
Optional: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots for more nutrition.