This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is packed with flavor and colorful veggies! Juicy chicken, sweet honey, and a touch of garlic come together for a quick meal that’s hard to resist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for this stir fry. It cooks quickly and stays tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try skinless chicken thighs. They’re a bit juicier and add great flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. You could substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even frozen broccoli for convenience. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different veggies!
Honey: This sweetener is key to the dish. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. For a lower sugar option, try using a sugar-free honey or a non-caloric sweetener.
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced without being too salty. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative and still packs a flavor punch!
How Do I Safely Thicken the Sauce Without Clumping?
Thickening the sauce can be tricky! The key is to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce. This helps distribute the cornstarch evenly and prevents clumps from forming.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water and stir until smooth.
- Add the mixture to the sauce gradually, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking. This usually takes just a couple of minutes!
Taking your time while adding the cornstarch ensures a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Flavor Makers:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch dissolved in water. This will be your flavorful sauce, so mix it well and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, sprinkling them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and, if you’re using it, the grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with fantastic aroma! Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender yet crisp.
4. Combine and Cook:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Then, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients nicely.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a lovely garnish. It adds a delightful crunch!
6. Serve It Up:
Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, delicious meal. Enjoy!
Bon appétit! You now have a flavorful and easy dinner that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! While broccoli is delicious, feel free to swap it out for other quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them crispy and vibrant!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar-free honey or an all-natural sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just start with a bit less and adjust to taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. If it looks dry, splash in a bit of water or extra soy sauce to refresh it!
Can I Make It Spicy?
Yes! If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic. Just adjust the amount to match your spice preference!
