This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick dish bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken pieces are mixed with colorful veggies and coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs add more flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using turkey instead!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives this stir fry a nice crunch. If you’re out of broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work well too. Just choose vegetables that you enjoy.
Honey: This adds sweetness. If you’re cutting back on sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. You might also use a small amount of brown sugar for a different flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish lighter. If you need a gluten-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder in a pinch works, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is essential to avoid dryness. Here’s how to ensure a juicy result:
- Cut chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear, which keeps the juices inside.
- Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding it back to the stir fry for even better results!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus a few more minutes to cook. In total, you can have it ready in about 20-25 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl. This will be your delicious honey garlic sauce. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally to cook evenly. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it; you want it fragrant but not burnt!
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the garlic. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. They should have a nice crunch to them!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour your honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Mix everything well to ensure everything gets coated in that yummy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the sauce is thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top for garnish. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Bon appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking steps. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added flavor and color.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of honey. Start with 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it sweeter!
