Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, flavourful, and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savoury honey garlic sauce. This easy stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Packed with juicy chicken, colourful vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce, it delivers restaurant-style flavour in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Instructions
- In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornflour. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, and cornflour slurry.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet and stir-fry broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but crisp.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir well.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Description
This honey garlic chicken stir-fry combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables in a glossy sauce that balances sweetness, garlic richness, and savoury soy flavour. The sauce clings perfectly to every bite, creating a comforting and delicious meal that tastes even better than takeout.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast.
- Cornflour helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavour.
- Stir-fry quickly over high heat for the best texture.
Tips
- Prep all ingredients before cooking since stir-frying moves quickly.
- Add mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini for variety.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.
- Spice it up with chilli flakes or sriracha.
- Double the sauce if serving over noodles.
Servings
Serves 4 people.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
Health Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full. Garlic contains antioxidants and compounds that may help support immunity and heart health. Broccoli and bell peppers provide vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants that support overall wellness. Homemade stir-fry sauce also allows better control over sugar and sodium compared to takeout meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooked stir-fry in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze it?
Yes, though vegetables may soften slightly after reheating.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice are great options.
4. Can I use shrimp or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Shrimp, beef strips, or tofu work wonderfully.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
6. Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Reduce honey slightly and add extra vegetables for a lighter version.