Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish that’s packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet, slightly spicy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce creates a balanced sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry is full of flavor, with a balance of sweetness from honey, savory notes from soy sauce, and just a hint of heat from chili garlic sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the veggies are perfectly charred and tender. Plus, the recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal meal for those busy nights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp corn starch

• 2 tbsp Butter, divided

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons

• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

• 1/2 white onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 1/4 tsp sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce for the sauce mixture. Set aside.

2. In another medium bowl, season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.

3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of Butter. Stir fry the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion in the skillet until the veggies are lightly charred and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter with olive oil and sea salt to the skillet along with the sesame oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.

5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the chicken and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

6. Return the cooked veggies to the skillet and toss everything to coat and heat through.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over hot rice or noodles, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of chili garlic sauce to add more heat to the dish.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed greens for a low-carb alternative to rice or noodles.

• Add Cashews or Peanuts: For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted cashews or peanuts over the dish before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs tend to be juicier and more tender in stir fry recipes.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just stir it again before using.

3. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! This stir fry is very versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, bok choy, or even spinach.

4. How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prep the vegetables and chicken in advance. Cook the dish on the day you want to serve it for the best flavor and texture.

6. Can I add more sweetness to the sauce?

If you like it sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey or use a bit of brown sugar for added depth of flavor.

7. Can I make this in a wok?

Yes, a wok is perfect for stir-frying! It will give the chicken and veggies that wonderful seared, crispy texture.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for a quick stir-fry, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the sauce for a few hours. However, the vegetables might become very soft, so it’s better to stir-fry them separately.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, you can add extra chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or even some chopped fresh chilies to the stir fry.

10. Can I use other oils for stir-frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil in place of sesame oil if you prefer, but sesame oil adds a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and effort, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!

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