This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy chicken is tossed with colorful veggies in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce. Yum!
The best part? It takes only 30 minutes to make! I love serving it over rice or noodles, but honestly, I could just eat it straight from the pan. Who’s with me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are best for this dish as they cook quickly. You can use thighs for a juicier option, or even swap in tofu for a vegetarian version!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and glossiness to the dish. If you need a sugar-free alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup work well too.
Soy Sauce: I always use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute, while coconut aminos are perfect for a soy-free option.
Vegetables: The mix can vary! Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even bok choy. Don’t forget, frozen veggies can be a real time-saver too.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, follow these tips:
- Cut the chicken thinly and evenly; this helps it cook quickly and avoids dryness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until just done; it should still be slightly pink inside when you remove it from the heat, as it continues to cook off the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Sauce?
The sauce is key to this stir fry! Here’s how to make it right:
- Always whisk the sauce ingredients together and taste it. You can add extra garlic or ginger based on your preference!
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening. Mix it in right before you finish cooking to maintain its potency.
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Serving:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if you’re using it). Set this aside because it’s going to make your stir fry super flavorful!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, red bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, just until they are crisp-tender. You want them to stay colorful and crunchy!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir well to make sure everything is coated in that amazing sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and become glossy. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and saucy.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your stir fry a taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it just right!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot honey garlic chicken stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator or using the cold water method before slicing for even cooking. Cooking from frozen is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking.
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, bok choy, and mushrooms are great additions. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just cook the veggies right before serving to keep them crispy and vibrant. The assembled dish can be reheated if needed, but fresh is always tastiest!
