Ground Chicken Basil Stir-Fry

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful and flexible, this basil chicken stir-fry is it. Ground chicken, fresh basil, jalapeño, and a simple homemade sauce come together in one skillet for an easy weeknight meal. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or spoon it into lettuce wraps depending on what sounds good (or what you already have in the fridge).

I love a quick and easy stir-fry for busy weeknights, and this basil chicken stir-fry is one of my favorites. Inspired by Thai basil chicken, this version uses ground chicken, fresh basil, and jalapeño for a little heat, along with a simple stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and honey. Chances are you already have most of the ingredients on hand, making this an easy 20-minute dinner that satisfies the takeout craving with plenty of flavor and minimal effort.

If you like a little more heat or are a condiment lover like me, add a drizzle of my creamy sriracha mayo on top!

simple Ingredients for Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

One of my favorite things about this ground chicken stir-fry is how simple the ingredient list is. Everything cooks in one skillet, and most of the ingredients are easy to keep on hand for a quick weeknight dinner.

You’ll notice there isn’t any added salt or pepper in this recipe. Between the garlic, jalapeño, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), honey, and fresh basil, I find there’s plenty of flavor as written. Of course, taste is personal, so feel free to season to taste at the end. I’d start with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper and adjust from there.

I like using ground chicken because it’s similar to the texture often found in Thai basil chicken. That said, ground turkey works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve made this swap many times, and honestly, it doesn’t change the flavor much at all.

• olive oil: to sauté the chicken and aromatics. Avocado oil works well, too.
• garlic: adds savory flavor and pairs perfectly with the basil.
• ground chicken: A lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavor from the sauce.
• jalapeño: adds a little heat without being overpowering. Remove the seeds and ribs if you can’t do super spicy.
• coconut aminos: adds savory, umami flavor. Soy sauce or tamari can be used instead.
• honey: balances the salty flavors with a touch of sweetness. Feel free to adjust to taste or omit.
• fresh basil: The star of the dish! Thai basil offers a more traditional flavor, but regular sweet basil is delicious, too.
• green onions: to garnish, totally optional

how to make a quick ground chicken stir-fry

This stir-fry comes together quickly- truly in about 20 minutes! One little trick I love is adding the honey right before the basil. It has a chance to caramelize slightly in the skillet, giving the ground chicken a deeper golden color and adding just the right touch of sweetness.

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