If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all in one colorful, satisfying meal, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is going to become your new kitchen champion. Imagine tender chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, tossed with crisp snap peas, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet carrots, all enveloped in a luscious honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe brings together simple ingredients into a spectacular stir fry that you can whip up any night of the week and feel like a culinary superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, you’ll gather a handful of everyday ingredients that pack a punch together. Each item plays its part, from the silky honey and tangy rice vinegar that balance the savory soy sauce, to the crunchy fresh vegetables that add wonderful texture and brightness. Let’s get into the essentials:
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides that deep umami base without overpowering saltiness.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that melds beautifully with the garlic.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that cuts through richness.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a warm, nutty aroma.
- 1 tablespoon ginger root (grated): Offers a fresh zing that lifts the whole flavor profile.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): The heart of the dish, bringing a fragrant garlic kick.
- 1 teaspoon Sambal Oelek: Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overwhelming.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces): Juicy, flavorful chicken that crisps up nicely.
- â…“ cup corn starch: Creates a golden, crunchy coating on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in balance.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- 8 ounces snap peas: Crisp and fresh, they bring vibrant green color and crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Sweet and juicy, brightens the dish.
- 1 large carrot (peeled and thinly sliced into coins): Adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil: Perfect neutral oil for high-heat stir frying.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): For a delightful garnish and little crunch at the end.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Set this sauce aside—you’ll pour it over the chicken and veggies to bring everything together with a shiny, luscious glaze.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken thigh pieces with the cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until every bit is fully coated. This step is the secret to that crispy exterior that contrasts so beautifully with the tender chicken inside once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas first, stirring frequently until they begin to brown and blister slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes. This quick caramelization amps up their natural sweetness and texture. Remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside for the moment.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Add the second tablespoon of avocado oil to the same pan. Make sure the pan is hot but not smoking—adjust the heat as needed so the chicken browns evenly without burning. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. You’ll smell that irresistible garlicky aroma starting to take over your kitchen.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour the sauce over everything, use your spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits on the pan’s bottom, and stir to coat each piece in the sticky, honey garlic goodness. Let it all cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings in glorious satin ribbons to every ingredient.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish for a touch of crunch and that signature nutty accent that complements the honey garlic sauce perfectly. Freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can also add a vibrant, fresh note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This chow-inspired stir fry pairs beautifully with a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that saucy goodness. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice or even noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe inside crispy lettuce cups for a fun finger food experience, or pile it high over udon or soba noodles garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an elegant twist. The options are endless and every approach delivers pure satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The chicken retains its juiciness well, and the sauce remains thick and delicious, making it an excellent choice for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save your creation for longer, store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. To preserve texture best, freeze the sauce separately if possible and add it when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge, ensuring every bite is as luscious as when first cooked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine in this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Just keep in mind that breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time carefully and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Is Sambal Oelek necessary, and can I substitute it?
Sambal Oelek adds a mild heat and a bit of depth to the sauce, making it something special. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To keep the magic of the honey garlic flavor, try swapping chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a medley of hearty mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and be sure to use a plant-based honey alternative if you want to keep it vegan.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken in a stir fry?
Coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking is key for crispiness. Also, make sure your pan and oil are hot enough to sear the chicken quickly without steaming, and avoid overcrowding the pan to let the chicken brown beautifully.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible and welcomes colorful additions like broccoli florets, mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans—just add them based on their cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for busy evenings and special occasions alike. It’s a deliciously balanced dish with layers of flavor and texture that come together in about forty minutes. Gather your ingredients, step into your kitchen, and prepare to delight your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share this unforgettable dish with you.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs tossed in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce with crisp snap peas, colorful bell peppers, and carrot coins, all cooked to perfection in a hot sauté pan. This recipe blends Asian-inspired flavors with simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger root (grated)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Sambal Oelek
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- â…“ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 8 ounces snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 large carrot (peeled and thinly sliced into coins)
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek in a bowl until fully combined. Set this sauce mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken thigh pieces with corn starch, kosher salt, and black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside to rest briefly.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of refined avocado oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot coins. Cook while stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to blister and brown slightly. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Adjust the heat to keep the pan hot but avoid burning the chicken. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Brown the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the mixture. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and fully coats the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot, optionally over steamed rice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of Sambal Oelek based on your preferred spice level.
- To make the dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
