Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of tender Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry that promises a delightful blend of sweet honey and savory garlic in every bite. This quick and easy recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout joint. The glossy finish of the honey clinging to the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

I stumbled upon this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry recipe on a rainy day and it has since become a family favorite, loved by both kids and adults alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Feel free to swap out veggies or protein to suit your taste or what you have on hand. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and shared moments over Chinese takeout.

Whether you’re enjoying this stir fry fresh over a bed of steamed rice or savoring the leftovers the next day, this dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food with a touch of nostalgia. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your wok, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry – a simple yet sensational dish that brings the flavors of Asia right to your kitchen table.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Option: This recipe can be made in under half an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory garlic and soy sauce, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can customize this stir fry with different vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers, or use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Great for Leftovers: Store any leftover stir fry in the fridge for up to three days and reheat easily in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under half an hour, making it a convenient option for a delicious meal.
• Balanced Flavor: The honey in the dish brings a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory garlic and soy sauce, creating a flavorful balance that’s sure to impress.
• Kid-Friendly: Sneak in plenty of veggies onto your kids’ plates with this dish. The glossy honey sauce makes it a favorite among children, turning mealtime into a delightful experience.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this stir fry by swapping broccoli with snap peas, bok choy, or bell peppers, or using chicken thighs for a juicier result. It’s adaptable to suit your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
• Leftover Friendly: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat them in the microwave or a hot pan for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari in place of soy sauce, catering to various dietary needs while keeping the rich umami flavor intact.
• Classic Pairings: Serve this honey garlic chicken stir fry over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce, or pair it with a fresh salad or roasted edamame for extra crunch and color.
• Comfort Food: This stir fry offers the comfort of a homemade meal with a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of Chinese takeout from childhood. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you satisfied with every bite.

Ingredients for Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots

Poultry

• 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm pieces

Aromatics and Sauces

• 60 ml soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 60 ml low sodium chicken broth or water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Oils and Seasonings

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 20 ml vegetable oil, divided

Pro Tips for Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

To ensure juicy and quick-cooking chicken in your honey garlic chicken stir fry, slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly. This will allow them to cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

For extra crunch and color variety, feel free to add snap peas, bell peppers, or snow peas to your stir fry. These vegetables will not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also provide a contrasting texture to the tender chicken and carrots.

To achieve a smooth and glossy sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the stir fry. This step helps thicken the sauce evenly and ensures it coats all the ingredients, creating a beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies.

How to Make Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan over medium heat, heat 5 ml of vegetable oil. Add sliced carrots and broccoli florets and cook for about 4 minutes until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a plate, cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Use a paper towel to wipe the pan clean. Increase heat to high and add the remaining 15 ml of vegetable oil.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in a pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, working in batches if needed for even browning.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Lower the heat to medium, then sauté minced garlic in the pan for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine with Vegetables

Add the cooked vegetables back to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

Combine chicken broth (or water), honey, and soy sauce in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.

Step 7: Add Sauce to Stir Fry

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 30 seconds.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with 15 ml of cold water in a small bowl. Add it to the pan, bring to a boil, and stir for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.

Step 9: Final Serve

Remove from heat and serve right away. Serve with steamed rice or grains if desired.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the stir fry, it is recommended to use the microwave or toss it back into a hot pan for about a minute to bring back its just-made crispness. If you plan to freeze portions of the stir fry, ensure there is some extra sauce included, and consume within a month for the best texture once thawed.

For variations on the recipe, feel free to swap out the broccoli with snap peas, bok choy, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have available. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier result. If you require a gluten-free option, look for tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce. Serving the stir fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice provides a classic pairing, and adding cooked noodles at the last minute can help extend the meal if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have broccoli on hand, feel free to substitute it with snap peas, bell peppers, or even snow peas to add variety and crunch to your stir fry. These vegetables will also work well with the honey garlic sauce and chicken.

For a juicier result, swap the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and can add extra flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breast.

If you need a gluten-free option, consider using tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that still provides that umami flavor. Coconut aminos can also be used as a soy-free alternative for a slightly different taste profile. These substitutions will ensure that the dish remains flavorful and suitable for dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious honey garlic chicken stir fry over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic and comforting meal. For extra crunch and color variety, add snap peas, bell peppers, or snow peas to the stir fry. You can also toss in a handful of cooked noodles at the last minute to stretch the meal and add a different texture.

To enhance the dish, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or roasted edamame on the side for extra crunch and color. The honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired flavors and brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes to the dish. Experiment with different vegetables and protein options to create your own unique twist on this classic stir fry recipe.

FAQs for Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts for this stir fry. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How should I store leftovers of this honey garlic chicken stir fry?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave the stir fry or toss it back into a hot pan for a minute to regain its crispness.

What are some alternatives to broccoli in this recipe?

If you don’t have broccoli on hand, you can swap it out for snap peas, bok choy, bell peppers, or snow peas for added crunch and color variety in your stir fry.

Why should I mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce?

Combining cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce helps the sauce thicken smoothly and evenly, creating a glossy glaze over the chicken and vegetables in the stir fry.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort to your dinner table, just like it does for me. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the stove or savoring the flavorful leftovers the next day, this stir fry is sure to delight your taste buds.

So, the next time you’re craving that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, reach for this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry recipe. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that embodies the joy of homemade comfort food. Happy cooking and savor every delicious bite of this classic stir fry!