What ingredients do I need to make Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry?

To prepare Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry, you’ll need boneless chicken breast or thighs, fresh basil leaves, jalapenos (adjust based on your spice preference), garlic, black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch (or a substitute), vegetable oil, and optional vegetables like bell peppers or onions. These ingredients combine to create a spicy, savory dish with aromatic basil highlights. Fresh jalapenos and freshly ground black pepper contribute to the signature heat and flavor balance.

Can I replace cornstarch if I don’t have it for the stir fry sauce?

Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, which will thicken the sauce similarly. Use about twice the amount of flour to cornstarch because flour has less thickening power. Mix the flour with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps. Alternatively, arrowroot powder or potato starch also work well as thickening agents if you want a gluten-free option.

How do I control the spiciness of Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry?

To adjust the heat level, reduce the number of jalapenos or remove their seeds and membranes, where most of the spice is concentrated. You can also substitute jalapenos with milder peppers like banana peppers or omit them entirely for a mild version. Balancing the spicy heat with the sweetness of oyster sauce and the herbal freshness of basil helps create a flavorful, well-rounded dish.

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this stir fry?

For tender, juicy chicken, slice the chicken thinly against the grain and marinate briefly with soy sauce and cornstarch or flour. Cook the chicken over high heat in a hot pan with oil, stirring constantly to sear the meat quickly without drying it out. This method keeps the chicken tender and allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce effectively.

Can I add vegetables to Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry? Which ones work best?

Yes, adding vegetables boosts the dish’s nutrition and texture. Bell peppers, snap peas, onions, and mushrooms pair well with the spicy and aromatic flavors. Slice vegetables thinly and stir-fry them briefly before adding the chicken to ensure they stay crisp-tender. Adjust cooking times so vegetables don’t become overcooked or soggy, preserving their bright color and fresh taste.

Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry Recipe 25 Minutes

Name: Black Pepper Jalapeno Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Provides lean protein for a satisfying meal and absorbs the flavorful sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch Acts as a thickener to coat the chicken and help the sauce cling beautifully; 1 teaspoon turmeric Adds a vibrant golden color and offers anti-inflammatory benefits; 1 teaspoon ginger Brings a warm, zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor and aids digestion; 1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper Delivers the signature heat and depth; 3 tablespoons honey Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the spices and creating a moreish glaze; 1/3 cup soy sauce Adds umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option; 1/4 cup rice vinegar Provides a tangy brightness that lifts the dish and complements the peppers; 2 tablespoons oil Helps with even cooking and charring the veggies for that stir-fried texture; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional) Boosts the savory notes, though you can skip it for a milder version; 2 bell peppers Adds crunch and vitamins, making the stir fry colorful and nutritious; 1 to 2 jalapeños Brings the heat; adjust based on your tolerance; 1 medium shallot Offers a mild onion flavor that enhances the base without overpowering; 1 cup fresh Thai or regular basil, chopped Infuses fresh, aromatic notes at the end for a burst of herbal goodness; Garlic (to taste, about 2-3 cloves, minced) Intensifies the savoriness and pairs well with ginger for added depth; Green onions (1-2, chopped) Provides a fresh garnish and subtle onion bite for extra flavor; Salt (to taste) Helps season the dish perfectly, adjusting as needed

Description

🍗 This Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry offers a quick and flavorful meal packed with bold spices and fresh herbs.
🌶️ Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a vibrant blend of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Provides lean protein for a satisfying meal and absorbs the flavorful sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch Acts as a thickener to coat the chicken and help the sauce cling beautifully

1 teaspoon turmeric Adds a vibrant golden color and offers anti-inflammatory benefits

1 teaspoon ginger Brings a warm, zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor and aids digestion

1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper Delivers the signature heat and depth

3 tablespoons honey Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the spices and creating a moreish glaze

1/3 cup soy sauce Adds umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option

1/4 cup rice vinegar Provides a tangy brightness that lifts the dish and complements the peppers

2 tablespoons oil Helps with even cooking and charring the veggies for that stir-fried texture

1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional) Boosts the savory notes, though you can skip it for a milder version

2 bell peppers Adds crunch and vitamins, making the stir fry colorful and nutritious

1 to 2 jalapeños Brings the heat; adjust based on your tolerance

1 medium shallot Offers a mild onion flavor that enhances the base without overpowering

1 cup fresh Thai or regular basil, chopped Infuses fresh, aromatic notes at the end for a burst of herbal goodness

Garlic (to taste, about 2-3 cloves, minced) Intensifies the savoriness and pairs well with ginger for added depth

Green onions (1-2, chopped) Provides a fresh garnish and subtle onion bite for extra flavor

Salt (to taste) Helps season the dish perfectly, adjusting as needed

Instructions

1-First Step: Prep and Marinate Start by thinly slicing 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper for a flavorful coating. For dietary adaptations, swap chicken with firm tofu if you’re going vegan, and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the spices, taking about 10 minutes total don’t rush it for the best texture.

2-Second Step: Mix the Sauce In a separate jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons honey, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon fish sauce (if using), and a bit of water to make the sauce. Stir well to blend, and for gluten-free versions, use tamari here. This should take just a minute or two, and if your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more water. Quick tip: If the sauce tastes too salty, dilute it slightly to balance flavors before cooking.

3-Third Step: Cook the Vegetables Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F to get that perfect sear. Add 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 to 2 jalapeños (seeded for less heat), and 1 medium shallot, cooking them for 3-5 minutes until they soften and char slightly. For low-calorie adaptations, use less oil or a non-stick pan. Stir frequently to avoid overcrowding, which can make veggies soggy keep them crisp by not over-stirring.

4-Fourth Step: Add and Cook the Chicken Once the veggies are ready, add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes over high heat. This quick cooking helps seal in juices and develop flavor. If substituting with tempeh for a vegan twist, pre-cook it briefly to avoid excess moisture. Adjust the heat to medium if things get too hot, and remember, for even cooking, slice ingredients uniformly your black pepper jalapeno basil chicken stir fry will thank you.

5-Final Step: Simmer and Serve Pour in the prepared sauce and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. In the last minute, stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil to keep it vibrant and fresh add it late to preserve its flavor. For low-calorie options, reduce simmering time to keep veggies crisp. Serve over rice, like coconut lemongrass rice, and garnish with extra basil. Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix in more cornstarch slurry; for spice adjustments, add more jalapeños next time. This whole process serves about six and is ready in under 25 minutes.

Notes

🌿 Toss chicken with cornstarch to thicken sauce and improve coating.
🥥 For rice, add coconut milk and lemongrass paste to complement the flavors.
🥦 Use any available vegetables for versatility; substitute brown sugar for honey or parsley for basil as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir Frying
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 335

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, Jalapeño Stir Fry, Basil Chicken, Quick Chicken Stir Fry