Sweet & Sizzling Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Crispy chicken takes an unexpected flavor journey with this honey garlic stir-fry that promises pure deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting and satisfying.

Sweet meets savory in a skillet of pure magic.

Tender chicken pieces dance with glossy honey and fragrant garlic notes.

Home cooking reaches new heights when simple ingredients combine brilliantly.

Fragrant spices and quick cooking techniques ensure a meal that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Dive into this recipe and transform your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Common Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this stir-fry. They are more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts. Just trim excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include some chopped fresh jalapeños during cooking. You can also drizzle sriracha sauce on top when serving for extra heat.

• Is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Absolutely! Cornstarch helps create a crispy chicken exterior and thickens the sauce. It also helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and gives the sauce a glossy, smooth texture.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Why Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Deserves A Spot On Your Table

• Savor Quick Cooking: A stir-fry that comes together faster than traditional dinner preparations, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal kitchen time.
• Create Versatile Meal: Adaptable recipe allowing easy vegetable swaps or protein modifications to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Bursting with Flavor: Combines sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and spicy red pepper flakes for a complex taste profile that delights the palate without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet, reducing dish washing and making meal preparation significantly more streamlined and stress-free.

What You’ll Need For Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this stir-fry dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cornstarch: A blend of seasonings that helps coat the chicken and create a flavorful, slightly crispy exterior.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Chicken Broth, Rice Vinegar: These ingredients combine to create a sweet and tangy sauce base for the stir-fry.
• Sesame Oil, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth of flavor and a hint of spiciness to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.

• Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide a robust and aromatic flavor foundation for the stir-fry.

• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Used for cooking and adding additional flavor to the dish.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add visual appeal and a fresh, crisp finishing touch.

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Fast

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Massage the seasonings into the meat until every piece gets a delicious coating.

Let the chicken hang out while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Chicken broth
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Cornstarch

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

The sauce will look glossy and slightly thick.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Pour in vegetable and sesame oils. Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.

Dance them around the pan for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp and vibrant. Scoop out the veggies and set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Add another splash of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Spread chicken pieces in a single layer.

Let them sizzle and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Sprinkle minced garlic and ginger into the pan, stirring quickly until their aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Watch it bubble and start to thicken.

Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Slide the reserved vegetables back into the pan.

Toss everything so each morsel gets a gorgeous sauce coating. Let everything heat through for another minute.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve your stir-fry steaming hot over fluffy rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips For Making Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Easy

• Enhance chicken tenderness by coating with cornstarch, which creates a crispy exterior and helps seal in moisture. Choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for maximum crunch and flavor in your stir-fry. Maintain high heat while cooking to achieve that perfect restaurant-style sear and prevent soggy ingredients. Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and quick stir-frying process without overcooking. For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch to keep the recipe safe for sensitive diets.

Ways To Try Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry With A Twist

• Spicy Thai Kick: Replace honey with Thai chili sauce, add more red pepper flakes, and include fresh Thai basil leaves for an intense heat profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap soy sauce with lemon juice, use oregano and thyme instead of ginger, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Coconut Curry Style: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce, add curry powder, replace zucchini with cauliflower, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical feel.
• Teriyaki Japanese Remix: Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey garlic, add edamame beans, include sliced mushrooms, and garnish with pickled ginger for an authentic Japanese experience.

Perfect Sides With Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the honey-garlic sauce's complex flavors, balancing the dish's spiciness and enhancing its aromatic profile.
• Create Asian-Inspired Cocktail Companion: Mix a ginger-infused vodka martini with a splash of lime juice, mirroring the stir-fry's vibrant Asian ingredients and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea that cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the sauce's sweetness and offering a traditional Asian beverage pairing.

How To Store Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry After Cooking

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add stir-fry with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated evenly.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor rich flavors in this honey garlic chicken stir-fry, where sweet and savory notes dance together in perfect harmony. Quick weeknight dinners discover delicious simplicity with tender chicken, glossy sauce, and crisp vegetables you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 1 medium zucchini (sliced)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 white onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch, ensuring even coverage. Let mixture rest while preparing other components.
2. Create sauce by whisking honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Heat vegetable and sesame oils in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Rapidly sauté zucchini, bell pepper, and onion until they reach a tender-crisp texture, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and arrange chicken in a single layer. Brown protein for 2-3 minutes per side, then introduce minced garlic and ginger, cooking until aromatic.
5. Stream prepared sauce into skillet, allowing mixture to reach a boiling point. Reduce heat and simmer, occasionally stirring, until sauce transforms into a thick consistency.
6. Reintegrate reserved vegetables into skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage. Warm through for an additional minute.
7. Transfer stir-fry to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Recommend serving over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Coating chicken with cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce, ensuring a golden-brown finish.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Use high heat and work quickly to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent overcooking, which can lead to mushy results.
• Customize the dish by swapping proteins like tofu or shrimp for chicken, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg