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. 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. 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 results!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

A delicious and quick stir fry featuring chicken, vegetables, and a sweet honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, honey garlic, quick meal, stir fry