Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry (Quick, Flavor-Packed & Better Than Takeout)
When you need a dinner that’s fast, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is always a winning choice. This simple yet irresistible dish brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy sweet-savory honey garlic sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout only fresher and healthier.
Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or meal prep, this honey garlic chicken stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes using everyday ingredients. The balance of sweetness and savory depth makes this dish incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy.
If you’re craving something comforting, colorful, and incredibly easy to make, this recipe is exactly what you need especially if you enjoy rich, saucy chicken dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce.
Why This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Works So Well
There’s a reason this dish is a staple in so many kitchens. It hits all the right notes:
- Fast & Easy: Minimal prep and quick cooking time
- Packed With Flavor: Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic
- Family-Friendly: Mild, balanced flavors everyone enjoys
- Customizable: Easy to swap vegetables or protein
- Better Than Takeout: No excess oil, sugar, or preservatives
This honey garlic chicken stir fry proves that homemade dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Notes
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the carrots and broccoli, cooking for about 4 minutes until tender. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside, covering them to keep warm.
- Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and increase the heat to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Return the vegetables to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds. Add the cornstarch mixture, bringing the sauce to a boil. Let it cook for another minute, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve immediately. You can enjoy it with rice if desired.
- Slice the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Thinly slice the carrots to help them cook quickly.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in honey garlic chicken stir fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Add them directly to the pan and cook until heated through, making sure excess moisture cooks off.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are slightly juicier and add extra flavor.
3. Is honey garlic chicken stir fry good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
5. Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly or balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is everything a weeknight dinner should be quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced honey garlic sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality results without the extra cost or effort.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of time, or simply craving a healthier alternative to takeout, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out.
