If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, textures, and warmth, then you’re in for a real treat with this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. This dish masterfully balances the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes of honey, garlic, and Sambal Oelek, all while delivering tender chicken and crisp veggies cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of stir fry that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for an easy weekday dinner or a casual dinner party with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe are simple and straightforward, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From fresh veggies adding crunch and color to the perfectly balanced sauce bringing everything together, these ingredients make the dish vibrant and truly irresistible.
- Low sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides that essential umami base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with garlic and ginger.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Imparts a rich, nutty aroma to the overall dish.
- Ginger root, grated (1 tablespoon): Offers a fresh, spicy zing that lifts the flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Delivers that classic and beloved aromatic punch.
- Sambal Oelek (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- Chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 ½ pounds): The perfect tender protein base that stays juicy when cooked.
- Corn starch (â…“ cup): Ensures a crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall taste without overpowering other flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild spiciness and depth.
- Snap peas (8 ounces): Brings a delightful crunch and fresh green hue.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1 large): Adds sweetness and bright, eye-catching color.
- Carrot, peeled and thinly sliced into coins (1 large): Offers both natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- Refined avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral-flavored oil perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): Cute little garnish that provides a subtle crunch and extra nuttiness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek in a bowl. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse that ties everything together with its perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Set it aside to let the ingredients meld while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until each piece is fully coated. This coating will help create that irresistible crispy texture when the chicken hits the pan, while sealing in the juices to keep the meat tender and juicy. Setting it aside allows the coating to adhere better.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of refined avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and snap peas to the pan, stirring frequently. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they start to brown and blister slightly. This gentle char enhances their natural sweetness and adds complexity. Once done, remove the veggies and set them aside for later.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan, adjusting the heat so it stays hot but doesn’t burn the food. Cook the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures they brown evenly instead of steaming. Each side should take about 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. The cornstarch coating will give the chicken a beautiful crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender interior.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the browned chicken, then pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together well, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats every bite with its luscious glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for that final touch of texture and visual appeal if you like.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds a subtle nutty crunch but also enhances the presentation dramatically. For an extra fresh touch, consider chopped green onions or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to bring your dish to life right on the plate.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines beautifully when served over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up all that glorious sauce. If you want to add more greens, a simple side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach complements the dish without competing with the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe inside warm lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch and a lighter option. Alternatively, pile it onto cooked quinoa instead of rice for an earthy flavor and added protein. Presentation can be as simple or as elegant as you like, and these ideas help you customize the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay juicy and the sauce maintains its rich flavor, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or second meal. Just be sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, but for the best texture, it’s ideal to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables. Place portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the textures intact and flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
Is there a substitute for Sambal Oelek?
If you don’t have Sambal Oelek, you can use another chili paste or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level since different chili products vary in heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Be sure to press tofu well to remove excess moisture before coating with cornstarch and cooking similarly.
What sides pair well with this stir fry?
Besides rice or quinoa, simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or bok choy make excellent companions. A light Asian-style salad is also a refreshing choice.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and vegetables without being gluey. It thickens during the last few minutes of cooking as the cornstarch activates, creating a mildly sticky glaze that clings beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a well-made Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a meal that welcomes you home with its rich, comforting flavors and makes even busy weeknights feel a little special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do — it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Print
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
A flavorful and easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a savory honey garlic sauce and crisp vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 & 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 Oil & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger root, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek until well combined. Set aside.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully coated. This helps to create a crispy exterior when cooked. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas, stirring frequently. Cook them until they start to brown and blister, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and heat to a hot temperature, adjusting as needed to prevent burning. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with optional sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more Sambal Oelek or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- The carrots can be sliced into matchsticks instead of coins if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
