Description
A quick and flavorful chicken stir fry featuring the spicy kick of jalapeño, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the bold taste of black pepper. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the jalapeño, onion, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the basil leaves.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño into the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine all of the flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil and release its aromatic oils.
- Final Touch: Taste and season with salt if needed. Adjust the black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Ladle the stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice or mix it with noodles.
- Enjoy: Gather your friends or family around the table and enjoy the vibrant flavors you’ve just created!
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove all seeds from the jalapeño.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and black pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Incorporate other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil, spicy basil jalapeno black pepper, jalapeno basil black pepper chicken, black pepper jalapeno basil recipe, homemade black pepper jalapeno basil