Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: Sweet & Savory Joy

Crispy chicken sizzles with honey garlic sauce, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this stir-fry delivers pure culinary magic.

Fragrant garlic mingles with sweet honey, coating tender chicken pieces in a glossy, irresistible glaze.

Fresh ingredients come together faster than you can order takeout, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Colorful vegetables add crunch and nutrition to every delectable bite.

Minimal prep time means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a quick, delicious meal that impresses without stress.

Grab your wok and get ready to become the star of your own kitchen adventure.

Why Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Is a Favorite

  • Swap vegetables or protein to match your taste preferences and dietary needs, making this recipe super flexible.
  • Packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory sauce.
  • Ready in less than 30 minutes, this stir-fry transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies hunger fast.

Ingredients Checklist for Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the core substance of the stir-fry and absorbs the rich honey garlic sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Broccoli: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, nutrition, and vibrant texture to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Honey, Garlic: A classic combination that creates a sweet and savory flavor profile with depth and complexity.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth coating for the chicken and vegetables.
Cooking Base:
  • Oil: Provides a medium for cooking and helps prevent sticking while adding a subtle richness to the stir-fry.

Cooking Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Slice and Prep Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Cut chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips for quick and even cooking.

Chop bell peppers and broccoli into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and look appetizing on the plate.

Step 2: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Cornstarch

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, creating a perfect coating for your stir-fry.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add cooking oil and let it shimmer.

Carefully place chicken strips into the hot pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns golden brown and develops delicious crispy edges.

Step 4: Toss in Colorful Vegetables

Add your chopped vegetables directly into the skillet with the chicken.

Stir and saute for 3-4 minutes.

The vegetables should remain bright and maintain a slight crunch, preserving their nutritional value and texture.

Step 5: Pour and Coat with Sauce

Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Stir everything together, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful, glossy coating.

Let the mixture simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the steaming stir-fry to serving plates.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Expert Advice for Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and ensure even cooking throughout the stir-fry.
  • Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, glossy sauce that coats ingredients perfectly.
  • Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform cooking and maintain a delightful crisp texture.
  • Use high heat for quick searing of chicken and fast vegetable sautéing to lock in flavors and prevent soggy results.
  • Prepare ingredients beforehand and store in refrigerator for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner solution that saves precious time.

How to Store and Reheat Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.

Great Pairings with Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Pair with Jasmine Rice Haven: Fluffy jasmine rice provides a perfect canvas for absorbing the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a balanced and comforting meal.
  • Match with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling complements the dish's honey notes while cutting through the richness of the chicken, offering a refreshing flavor contrast.
  • Enhance with Green Tea Splash: Mild green tea balances the stir-fry's intense flavors, cleansing the palate and adding a subtle earthy undertone to the meal.
  • Serve Alongside Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar dressing adds texture and brightness, elevating the overall dining experience.

Delicious Variations of Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Vegan Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and marinated in the same honey garlic sauce for a plant-based protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Boost: Replace honey with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative and add extra vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, and spinach to increase nutrient density while keeping carbohydrates low.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Include red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce in the marinade for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile, transforming the mild stir-fry into a zesty meal.

FAQs

  • How can I make this stir-fry healthier?

Use skinless chicken breast, reduce honey amount, add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas, and choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on calories and salt.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

  • What type of pan works best for stir-frying?

A large non-stick skillet or a traditional wok are ideal for even heat distribution and preventing ingredients from sticking. Cast iron skillets also work well for achieving a nice golden-brown color on chicken.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the sauce and creates a glossy, restaurant-style coating. Without it, the sauce will be thin and watery instead of rich and clingy.

Print
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Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 34 1x

Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken stir-fry delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Chinese cuisine. Sizzling wok-tossed ingredients create an irresistible meal that will satisfy your dinner cravings in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (80 grams) pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and quick heat absorption.
  2. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor and aroma into the sauce.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a small bowl until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
  5. Add chicken strips to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to promote rapid browning; cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve golden edges.
  6. Incorporate bell peppers and broccoli florets into the skillet, tossing quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly and allow the sauce to thicken for about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat when the sauce clings glossily to the ingredients and chicken is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Transfer the aromatic stir-fry to serving plates, optionally garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for variety and different dietary needs.
  • Enhance the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for more color and texture.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, which provides a similar flavor without excess salt.
  • Prep ingredients in advance to make cooking faster and more efficient, allowing for a quick weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 34
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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