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This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a standout weeknight dinner that balances bold flavors with wholesome nutrition.
What makes this recipe truly special is its irresistible sauce—an umami-rich blend of soy, honey, and garlic that clings perfectly to golden chicken and crisp-tender veggies.
It’s a complete, protein-packed meal that delivers satisfaction in under 30 minutes.
With 29g of lean protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health and satiety, while 3g of fiber from broccoli and carrots promotes digestive wellness.
It’s also low in saturated fat, making it heart-friendly and waistline-conscious.
The natural sweetness of honey cuts through the savory soy and garlic, creating a kid-friendly flavor profile that adults love too.
This stir fry is also a fantastic meal-prep option—simply portion into containers and pair with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a week’s worth of balanced lunches.
Quick, customizable, and delicious, it’s a must-have in any healthy meal rotation.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
1. Wok or Large Nonstick Skillet
Product Name: T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Wok
This deep, nonstick wok offers ample room for searing chicken and tossing veggies without crowding.
Its hard-anodized surface distributes heat evenly, making stir-fries quick and consistent. It’s a workhorse for high-heat cooking and perfect for everything from curries to fried rice.
2. Sharp Chef’s Knife
Product Name: Victorinox 8-Inch Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
A precision-cutting tool essential for slicing chicken and vegetables into even, bite-sized pieces.
Its sharp, durable blade and ergonomic handle make prep faster, safer, and more efficient—an indispensable knife for daily kitchen tasks.
3. Garlic Press
Product Name: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Garlic Press
No more tedious mincing—this garlic press crushes cloves quickly and evenly, releasing maximum flavor.
It’s easy to clean and saves valuable prep time in stir-fry recipes, sauces, and marinades.
4. Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Product Name: Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set
Perfect for whisking the sauce, combining cornstarch slurry, or prepping ingredients ahead of time.
These heat-resistant, durable bowls are microwave-safe and nest for compact storage—ideal for any recipe requiring multiple steps.
5. Silicone Spatula or Turner
Product Name: DI ORO Seamless Silicone Turner Spatula
This heat-resistant spatula is gentle on nonstick pans yet sturdy enough to flip, stir, and mix.
Its one-piece design makes it hygienic and long-lasting, perfect for sautéing or tossing stir-fried dishes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Equipment
- 1 Large Nonstick Skillet or Wok
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Garlic Press
- 2 Mixing Bowls (one medium, one small)
- 1 Silicone Spatula or Turner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for vegetables
- 1 cup carrots peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water for slurry
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets, stirring occasionally, and cook for 4–5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sear the Chicken: Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and raise the heat to high. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season the diced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chicken in a single layer—cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Let the pieces sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Combine: Reduce heat slightly and add the minced garlic directly into the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Prepare and Pour the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey until well blended.In a separate tiny bowl, dissolve cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.
- Thicken and Finish the Dish: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir for 30 seconds, then mix in the cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Notes
- Uniform Cuts for Even Cooking: Try to slice the carrots and chicken into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking and a better eating experience.
- Quick-Carrot Tip: Shave or slice carrots very thin so they soften quickly in the skillet without requiring extra cooking time.
- Sodium Control: Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to keep the dish lighter on salt. You can even substitute water for broth if preferred.
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: This stir fry reheats well and can be portioned into containers with rice for a full week of balanced lunches.
- Optional Add-ins: Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms can easily be added to the veggie mix for extra color and nutrients.
Chef’s Secrets for Stir-Fry Success
Achieving the perfect stir fry is all about preparation, timing, and heat control.
The key to a tender and flavorful dish lies in using high heat and cooking the ingredients in stages.
Start by prepping all your components—chopping veggies, dicing chicken, and whisking the sauce—before turning on the stove.
This allows you to move swiftly through each step without overcooking.
Always cook the vegetables first and set them aside to maintain their crisp texture.
When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary so the pieces brown rather than steam.
Adding garlic toward the end preserves its aroma and prevents burning.
Finally, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce quickly and evenly—it should coat every bite beautifully without becoming too heavy.
Tasty Ways to Serve This Dish
This honey garlic chicken stir fry is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a range of sides.
For a classic pairing, serve it over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
If you’re looking for a healthier or low-carb option, cauliflower rice or quinoa are great substitutes that still offer a hearty base.
To make it a full Asian-inspired meal, consider adding a side of egg rolls, miso soup, or sesame cucumber salad.
You can also mix in extra vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn to stretch the dish and add variety.
This recipe is also excellent for meal prep—just portion into containers with a carb of your choice, and you’ve got lunch sorted for the next few days.
Best Ways to Store and Reheat
Proper storage is essential for keeping your stir fry fresh and flavorful.
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If meal prepping, separate the stir fry from rice or grains to maintain the ideal texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Alternatively, microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Avoid overheating, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and the vegetables to lose their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and offer a slightly richer flavor due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cook until fully done.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Also, double-check that your broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.
3. What other vegetables can I use?
This stir fry is very customizable. Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, and zucchini are all great additions or substitutes depending on what you have on hand.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce (including the cornstarch slurry) can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just shake or whisk well before adding it to the pan to ensure it hasn’t separated.
5. What’s the best oil for stir frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point work best. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil are great choices. Avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and can overpower the flavors.
This recipe is inspired by dinneratthezoo and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.