Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, sliced; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I absolutely love whipping up this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry when I want a meal that’s both quick and packed with flavor. It’s rich with sweet, sticky honey and a touch of garlic, which always leave everyone craving more. This dish comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when we want something satisfying and delicious without a lot of fuss. Plus, it’s customizable! I often add in whatever vegetables I have on hand for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:18:28.171Z

One evening, I decided to experiment with some chicken I had marinating in honey and garlic, and I couldn’t have been happier with the results. I sliced the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried them with colorful vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through while maintaining the crunch of the veggies—this gives the dish a lovely texture that I absolutely adore.

What really sets this stir fry apart is the sauce. By simmering the honey and garlic together, I created a wonderful glaze that adheres perfectly to the chicken. It’s really a balancing act; I always season to taste and add a splash of soy sauce to enhance the depth of flavor. Trust me, this one will quickly become a favorite!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory balance that satisfies every palate
Colorful veggies for a nutritious punch
Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Choosing the Right Chicken

For this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, using fresh chicken breast is key to achieving tender, juicy pieces that absorb the marinade well. Look for chicken with a good color and minimal visible fat; this ensures a clean taste. If you need to save time, you can use precooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the pan later in the cooking process to warm through without overcooking.

If you're aiming for a more budget-friendly option, chicken thighs can also work beautifully. They add a richer flavor and remain moist even if cooked a little longer. The marinating time remains the same; however, keep an eye on cooking time, as thighs might take a couple of extra minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Perfecting the Stir-Fry Technique

The key to a successful stir fry is high heat and quick cooking. Preheat your skillet or wok before adding oil to ensure a nice sear on the chicken. Once the chicken is added, avoid overcrowding the pan; if you add too much at once, it will steam rather than brown. Instead, cook in batches if necessary, and don't forget to scrape any brown bits from the bottom to incorporate that flavor back into the dish.

When adding your vegetables, it's important to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp texture. For this, consider cutting your veggies into uniform sizes, around 1-inch pieces, so they cook evenly. Start with denser vegetables like carrots and broccoli, allowing them a couple of extra minutes before adding softer options like bell peppers. This way, you achieve that tender-crisp texture that makes each bite satisfying.

Serving and Storing Your Stir Fry

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry can be served over a variety of bases. While rice or noodles are classic choices, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a garnish can brighten up the flavors and add some crunch.

If you're looking to make this ahead of time, it’s best to store the stir fry and its base separately to prevent sogginess. In the fridge, it will last up to three days in a sealed container. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry for up to three months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the texture of the vegetables.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious stir fry:

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, sliced
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Make sure everything is prepped and ready before you start!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your stir fry:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Stir Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for another 5 minutes, until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.

Season and Serve

Season the stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions before serving!

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Snow peas, zucchini, or even frozen stir-fry blends can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might need adjusting for different vegetables—so add them in stages depending on their cook time.

If you're gluten-sensitive or simply avoiding soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a direct substitute without compromising flavor. Additionally, for a touch more heat, consider adding a dash of chili flakes to the marinade or stir fry.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce isn't coming out as thick and sticky as you'd like, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the pan towards the end of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce and give it that desirable glaze. Just be sure to cook it for an additional minute to eliminate any raw cornstarch taste.

Overcooking can result in rubbery chicken and wilted veggies; make sure to check your chicken for doneness as soon as it starts to brown. For extra assurance, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached a safe 165°F, and aim to maintain that perfect crunch in your vegetables by sticking to the recommended cooking times.

Variations to Try

Don't hesitate to explore different flavor profiles by incorporating sauces like sesame oil, hoisin, or even a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. Each of these can enhance the dish's overall flavor while still keeping it harmonious.

Consider adding proteins like shrimp or beef to create a mixed protein stir fry. Simply adjust the cooking times as necessary; shrimp will cook much quicker than chicken, so add them later in the process. This way, you can create a dish that keeps things exciting with varied textures and tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, just ensure they're thawed and drained before adding them to the stir fry.

→ How can I spice it up?

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! This stir fry stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days.