Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is to make. It’s packed with bold flavors and has the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and savoriness from the soy sauce. The chicken is tender, and the vegetables stay crisp-tender, making every bite delicious. Plus, it’s so much healthier than ordering takeout, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal for when I want something satisfying without all the hassle.

Ingredients

•  Timing

Yield: 4 serving

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt, pepper, garlic powder for seasoning chicken

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

1 tsp sesame oil

1 medium zucchini, sliced

½ cup chopped bell pepper

½ white onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

⅓ cup honey

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup chicken broth

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp cornstarch

For Serving (Optional):

Cooked rice

Sesame seeds

Green onions, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, season the chicken with ½ tsp salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.

Make the Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion, and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:
Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute more, until the veggies are heated through.

Serve:
Serve the stir-fry hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and

s

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Press and cube the tofu before cooking to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra heat if you like things spicy.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for additional texture and flavor.

Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb version, serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the stir-fry or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast instead of thighs. Keep in mind that the chicken breast might be a little drier, so make sure not to overcook it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the chicken and veggies with the sauce, and heat through.

Can I use a different oil for stir-frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or any oil with a high smoke point in place of sesame oil. Just be mindful of the flavor, as sesame oil gives the dish a distinct, nutty taste.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked stir-fry. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet over low heat when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s packed with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, all brought together in a rich sauce. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a quick cooking time, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s healthy, customizable, and can be served with a variety of sides to suit your taste!

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