If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect choice. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sweet carrots are coated in a rich honey garlic sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This easy meal is ideal for busy weeknights and tastes even better than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced flavors.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Healthier than most takeout stir fry recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and broccoli. Cook for about 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a plate and keep warm.
- Carefully wipe the pan clean and increase the heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Return the vegetables to the pan and toss everything together for 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the cold water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry, bring to a gentle boil, and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep it bright and crisp.
- Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor.
- Add snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra vegetables.
- For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili.
- Tamari can be substituted for soy sauce if desired.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Double the sauce if serving over a large amount of rice.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 710mg
FAQ
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to two days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay especially juicy.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that your cornstarch is gluten-free.
What vegetables work best in stir fry?
Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, snow peas, and baby corn all work well.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil divided
- 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and broccoli. Cook for about 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a plate and keep warm.
- Carefully wipe the pan clean and increase the heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Return the vegetables to the pan and toss everything together for 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the cold water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry, bring to a gentle boil, and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Double the sauce if serving over a large amount of rice.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a fast, delicious meal packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, this easy chicken stir fry recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.