Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s simply irresistible. The combination of honey and garlic creates the perfect balance of natural sweetness and bold flavor, making it a dish the whole family will love.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthy option loaded with protein and veggies, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this stir-fry is fast, fresh, and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

We love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and incredible flavor. The tender chicken combined with crisp, colorful vegetables gives each bite a mix of textures that feels fresh and satisfying.

The honey garlic sauce is truly the star—it’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, coating every ingredient in a glossy finish that makes you want to go back for seconds.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a must-try because it takes the classic comfort of stir-fry and elevates it with a sauce that’s both simple and unforgettable. The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavor profile that’s universally loved—sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced.

Unlike many takeout options, this homemade version is fresher, healthier, and fully customizable, allowing you to pack in as many vibrant veggies as you like. It’s also incredibly quick, coming together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver for busy evenings.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal (without rice)

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry, optional for thickening)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cut chicken into even pieces.
• Chop all vegetables.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, water, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add remaining oil.
• Add carrots and broccoli first, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Then add bell pepper and snap peas. Stir-fry another 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Sauce

• Return chicken to the pan with veggies.
• Pour the sauce over everything.
• Mix cornstarch slurry and add if you prefer a thicker sauce.
• Simmer for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything.

Step 5: Serve

• Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while hot, topped with:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • A lime wedge (optional)
• Best with jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles

Recipe Tips and Variations:

• Swap the chicken: Use tofu, shrimp, beef, or tempeh
• Low carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
• Spicy twist: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Add nuts: Toss in some roasted cashews or peanuts for crunch
• Use frozen veggies: Saves time—just stir-fry a bit longer to reduce moisture

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooled stir-fry for up to 2 months
• To reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Yes! It reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.

Q: Can I skip the cornstarch?

A: Absolutely. The sauce will be thinner, but still tasty. For thickening, arrowroot or flour slurry are alternatives.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q: What veggies work best?

A: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, snow peas, baby corn, mushrooms, bok choy—all work great!

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a fast, flavorful, and flexible dinner that delivers big taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or prepping for lunches ahead, this recipe is always a hit. It’s sweet, savory, healthy, and satisfying—the kind of dish you’ll keep coming back to again and again.