Stir fries are a fantastic option for a quick and delicious meal, and this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is no exception. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also healthy and packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables.

In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare a simple and satisfying honey garlic chicken stir fry using fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different vegetables or even swap chicken for tofu or shrimp!

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • ½ cup sliced snow peas
  • ½ cup matchstick carrots

For the Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken: Start by cutting 2 lbs. of chicken breasts into ½-inch cubes. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 5 cloves minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add more oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil.

Sauté the vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, snow peas, and matchstick carrots to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to maintain some crunch for texture.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken: Once the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.

Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.

Simmer: Let the stir fry cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust: Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Serve hot: Serve the honey garlic chicken stir fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

2. Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Use High Heat: Stir fries are best cooked over high heat to quickly sear the chicken and vegetables while keeping them crisp and tender.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of sauté. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything browns nicely.

Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir frying happens fast, so it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet stir fry, reduce the amount of honey in the sauce to 2 tablespoons. If you like it sweeter, you can add a little more.

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli, bell pepper, and snow peas for other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas.

3. Variations and Additions

This honey garlic chicken stir fry is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if making a vegetarian dish.

Other Proteins: You can replace the chicken with beef, shrimp, or pork, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for your protein of choice.

Add Nuts: Toasted cashews or peanuts add a lovely crunch and extra protein to the stir fry.

Ginger Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

4. How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This stir fry is a full meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Over Rice: Serve the stir fry over steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

With Noodles: Toss the stir fry with cooked noodles like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles for a complete meal.

With Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a healthier, lower-carb option, serve the stir fry over quinoa or cauliflower rice.

5. How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Storing:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Microwave: You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, with tender chicken and crisp vegetables coated in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, nutritious meal on the table that the whole family will love. Give this stir fry a try, and make it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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