If you are looking for a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together quickly on a weeknight, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, sweet, and garlicky sauce, combined with crisp-tender vegetables that add pops of color and freshness. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of zing from ginger, making every bite a little celebration. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and can be ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—whether it’s the tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, or that irresistible honey garlic sauce.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Divided; one for cooking chicken, one for stir-frying vegetables.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced: Use red, yellow, or green for a mix of sweetness and visual appeal.
- 1 cup snow peas: Crisp and slightly sweet, balancing the savory sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty note that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon corn starch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Combined with corn starch for the thickening slurry.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance overall flavors.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: For garnish, adding a nutty crunch and fresh color.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger in a small bowl. This combination is the heart and soul of your stir-fry, bringing a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that will coat every delicious bite.
Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In another small bowl, mix the corn starch with water until smooth. This slurry is your secret to a luscious, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables without being gloopy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once ready, set the chicken aside to make room for the veggies.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables turn bright and tender-crisp, which keeps their natural sweetness and crunch intact—giving your dish fantastic texture.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour your prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly and then mix in the corn starch slurry. Keep cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes as the sauce thickens and turns glossy, enveloping every morsel with rich flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Turn off the heat, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top, and get ready to serve this irresistible dish. The garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds nuttiness and fresh herbal brightness that makes the whole dish pop.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and fresh chopped green onions for a vibrant color contrast and mild sharpness. These small touches bring the dish to life and add an inviting finishing flair.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or chewy noodles, which soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed quinoa or cauliflower rice also complement the flavors while keeping the meal wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your dish in individual bowls layered over rice or noodles for a casual family-style vibe, or plate it neatly on a large platter with extra garnishes scattered on top when entertaining guests. Adding a wedge of lime on the side can introduce a bright citrus twist that lifts the honey garlic goodness even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The chicken and vegetables maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe also freezes well. Pack it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain hearty and satisfying.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the stir-fry on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as stovetop reheating helps preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables while keeping the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and add a bit more richness to the dish. Just make sure they’re cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly along with the vegetables.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use ground ginger in a pinch—start with about half a teaspoon since it’s more concentrated—but fresh ginger always delivers the best bright and zesty flavor for this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is mild and sweet with savory notes. If you like heat, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to amp up the spice factor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and keep the same sauce and veggies—it’s just as delicious and satisfying.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce works great for this recipe. If you prefer a lower sodium option, light soy sauce is a fine alternative that won’t compromise flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is a fantastic way to bring excitement to your dinner table quickly and effortlessly. With simple ingredients, crisp fresh veggies, and a sauce that tastes like a warm hug, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite. Take a little time to whip this up soon—you won’t regret it!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry featuring tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce made with honey, garlic, and ginger. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining a healthy mix of protein and vegetables with an easy-to-make sauce that thickens beautifully with a cornstarch slurry.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup snow peas
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and fresh minced ginger. Set this flavor-packed mixture aside.
- Make the cornstarch slurry: In another small bowl, stir together the corn starch and water until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the stir-fry sauce later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over everything, ensuring even distribution.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry into the skillet mixture. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables nicely.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on availability, such as snap peas or carrots.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as stir-fried vegetables can become soggy if left too long.
