This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry brings sweetness and a touch of garlic to your dinner plate! With tender chicken and colorful veggies, it’s quick and yummy.
You can whip it up faster than ordering takeout! I love serving it over rice to soak up the delicious sauce—perfect for a busy weeknight! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly and stay tender. Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and gloss to the sauce. If you prefer a healthier alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar works well too!
Vegetables: Broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas add vibrant color and crunch. You can swap any of these for other veggies like zucchini, cauliflower, or bell pepper for what you have on hand.
Soy Sauce: This is the base of your sauce. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos for a similar flavor that’s soy-free.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken right makes a big difference in your stir fry. Here are simple tips to ensure it turns out perfectly!
- Cut chicken into uniform thin slices to ensure even cooking.
- Heat your skillet until hot before adding oil. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary, so the chicken has room to brown.
- Stir-fry quickly over high heat for just 5-6 minutes until it’s no longer pink and forms a light golden color.
By following these steps, you’ll have flavorful and tender chicken every time!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
For Garnish (optional):
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough to enjoy even on busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. This delicious blend will become your sticky and sweet sauce! Set it aside for now.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now, add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry the veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp—still bright and colorful!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your stir-fried vegetables. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and mix well.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and veggies perfectly.
7. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once happy, remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Serve:
Spoon your delicious honey garlic chicken stir fry over warm rice or noodles. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a lovely finish!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy dinner! 🥡🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking. The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower, bell peppers with zucchini, or even add mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn. Just make sure to keep the cooking times in mind for each vegetable.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also stir in some sliced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for an extra spicy flavor!
