Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a healthy meal packed with flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor in every bite.
- Loaded with fresh broccoli and carrots.
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Better than takeout and made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound 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 black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Cook for about 4 minutes until just tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Carefully wipe the skillet clean and increase the heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Cook in batches if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli so it stays bright and crisp.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Tamari can be used for a gluten-free alternative if paired with gluten-free cornstarch.
- Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQ
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables work well. Cook until heated through.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn, and zucchini are excellent additions.
What should I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa all pair beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Similar Recipes
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil divided
- 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound 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 black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Cook for about 4 minutes until just tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Carefully wipe the skillet clean and increase the heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Cook in batches if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Tamari can be used for a gluten-free alternative if paired with gluten-free cornstarch.
- Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious, easy chicken dinner that’s packed with colorful vegetables and coated in a rich homemade stir fry sauce. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become one of your favorite homemade chicken recipes.