This quick honey garlic chicken stir fry is tasty and simple to make. Just toss bite-sized chicken pieces in a sweet and savory sauce along with colorful veggies!
You’ll love how fast this comes together. I often make it on busy nights – it’s a hit with the family and perfect over rice or noodles. Who doesn’t love a little honey magic? 🐝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but boneless chicken breasts work too. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or seitan can be a great substitute for protein.
Honey: Honey is the star here! If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave syrup can be good alternatives. They provide a similar sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to to keep it healthier. If gluten-free is a priority, try tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix-and-match your favorite vegetables! Snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn can easily replace any of the veggies listed.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky. Here’s a simple guide to ensure it’s juicy and cooked through:
- Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces to promote even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to allow browning.
- Cook it over medium-high heat for great browning without drying it out.
Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. A little patience makes for perfectly tender chicken!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
Vegetables:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for mild heat
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time takes around 15 minutes. That’s a total of about 25 minutes to a delicious and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s aromatic. Then add in the sliced onion, carrot, broccoli, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these colorful veggies together for 4-5 minutes, until they are tender yet still a bit crisp!
4. Combine and Thicken:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with all those delicious vegetables. Pour in the honey garlic sauce we prepared earlier and mix everything nicely together. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting all those flavors marry!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine, then pour it into the skillet. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken up, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Adjust Flavors:
Taste the stir fry and feel free to adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve:
Take it off the heat and serve the honey garlic chicken stir fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a little extra flair!
Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make honey garlic chicken stir fry! It’s sure to be a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly and tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Honey?
No worries! You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste, as some alternatives may be sweeter than honey.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu and use maple syrup in place of honey. Ensure that the soy sauce is vegan-friendly, as some varieties may contain animal-based ingredients.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a stovetop over low heat to enjoy your stir fry again!
