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Looking for a quick and tasty meal that pleases everyone? Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is your answer! This dish combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. I’ll guide you through easy steps and share tips to ensure your chicken is tender and veggies stay crunchy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey and garlic creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Vegetable Packed: With bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, this stir fry is loaded with colorful, nutritious veggies.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile dish for any taste.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
To make this dish, you need simple and fresh items. Here’s the list:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium for lighter flavor)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup snap peas
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sesame)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry for thickening)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa for serving
These ingredients bring great flavor and texture to the dish. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives it depth. The garlic and ginger bring a nice aromatic touch.
Recommended Variations for Extra Flavor
You can switch up flavors easily. Try these ideas:
– Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
– Use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for a nutty taste.
– Mix in carrots or zucchini for more veggies.
– Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a twist.
These additions can make your stir fry unique and exciting.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Produce
Fresh produce makes a big difference. Here are tips for choosing great veggies:
– Look for bright colors in bell peppers.
– Choose broccoli with tight florets and a vibrant green color.
– Pick snap peas that are crisp and firm.
Fresh veggies enhance both taste and nutrition. Always choose the best for your meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Honey Garlic Sauce
To start, gather your sauce ingredients. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and a grated piece of ginger. This mix gives the dish its sweet and savory flavor. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken and vegetables.
Cooking the Chicken: Techniques and Timing
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches a golden color. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Frying Vegetables for the Perfect Crunch
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in a sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. This keeps the dish colorful and adds texture.
– Incorporating Chicken and Sauce for Best Results
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated. Then, add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. This helps bind all the flavors together.
Once everything is ready, serve your honey garlic chicken stir fry over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Tender Chicken
To make sure your chicken stays tender, use fresh chicken breast. Cut it into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and stay juicy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This way, the chicken sears nicely. Season it with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor right from the start.
Adjusting the Sweetness of the Sauce
If you want to change the sweetness, simply add or reduce the honey. Start with two tablespoons. Taste it after mixing in the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey slowly. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. This balances the taste. You can also add a bit of lime juice for a tangy kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Stir-Frying
Avoid cooking the chicken on low heat. Low heat makes it steam, not fry. Also, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. It helps thicken the sauce and makes it glossy. Stir-frying takes quick movements. Don’t walk away from the pan! Keep stirring to cook evenly. Lastly, remember to use vegetables that cook quickly, like bell peppers and snap peas. This keeps them crispy and colorful.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. They add a robust taste that enhances the overall dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand. Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini work great!
- Control the Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch in the slurry to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Less cornstarch will create a lighter sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey-soy mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Variations
Adding More Vegetables for Nutritional Boost
You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Extra vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients. Try adding sliced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. Spinach or kale can also work well. These veggies cook quickly. They keep their crunch and add great taste.
Alternative Proteins for Different Diets
If you want to switch proteins, try using shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and has a nice flavor. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Make sure to press and cube it first. You can also use beef or pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time for different meats.
Spice It Up: Incorporating Heat into the Recipe
Do you like spicy food? Adding chili flakes or sriracha can give your stir fry a kick. You can also use fresh sliced jalapeños for a fresh and spicy taste. Just be careful with the amount. Start with a little, then add more if you like it hot!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers Properly
To keep your honey garlic chicken stir fry fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. The stir fry can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions for Optimal Flavor
To reheat leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the chicken tender. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weekdays
For a quick meal, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken and veggies in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can mix the sauce and keep it in a jar. On busy days, just stir-fry everything together. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. It is best to thaw chicken overnight in the fridge. If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. After thawing, slice the chicken into strips before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. Both will give a sweet flavor. If you want a less sweet option, try brown sugar mixed with water. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. The key is to keep the balance of sweet and savory.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free! Just choose gluten-free soy sauce. There are many brands available. Always check the label to be sure. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.
How to make it vegetarian-friendly?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Cut it into strips and use the same cooking method. Make sure to press tofu to remove excess water. This helps it absorb the honey-garlic sauce better. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
In this blog post, we explored making Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. We covered essential ingredients, variations for flavor, and tips for picking fresh produce. I walked you through step-by-step instructions, including preparing the sauce and cooking techniques for tender chicken. We also discussed mistakes to avoid and how to add more veggies or alter proteins.
Remember, cooking can be simple and fun. Experiment with flavors that excite you. Enjoy your stir fry and share your tasty result
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
A delicious and quick stir fry featuring chicken, vegetables, and a sweet honey garlic sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sesame)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry for thickening)
- to taste salt and pepper
- for serving cooked jasmine rice or quinoa
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
Pour in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
Remove from heat and serve over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa.
Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, quick meal, stir fry
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