Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that combines the sweetness of honey, the savory flavor of soy sauce, and the aromatic zest of garlic with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste or nutrition. The first time I made this stir fry, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. It quickly became a staple in my household, appreciated by everyone from kids to adults. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily swap out the vegetables or adjust the sauce to suit your taste. Let’s dive into making this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided use
1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb 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
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Heat the Oil:
Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. This oil will help prevent the vegetables from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add 1 cup of thinly sliced peeled carrots and 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pan.
Cook the vegetables for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp. The goal is to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
Remove and Cover:
Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Cover them to keep warm while you cook the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Clean the Pan:
Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to remove any vegetable residue that might burn during the next step.
Turn the heat to high to prepare for cooking the chicken.
Heat More Oil:
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. This helps to achieve a nice sear on the chicken pieces.
Season and Cook the Chicken:
Season the 1 lb of chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure each piece is fully cooked and has a nice crispy exterior.
Add the Garlic:
Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Combine and Cook Everything Together
Add the Vegetables Back:
Return the cooked broccoli and carrots to the pan with the chicken and garlic.
Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to ensure the vegetables are warmed through.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Sauce
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water), 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons honey.
This mixture will create a flavorful, sweet, and savory sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
This slurry will help thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish and better adhesion to the chicken and vegetables.
Add the Sauce to the Pan:
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for 1 more minute or until the sauce has just started to thicken.
Stir continuously to ensure the sauce thickens evenly and coats all the ingredients.
Step 5: Serve
Final Seasoning:
Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve Immediately:
Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately.
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garnish (Optional):
For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Follow the same steps to cook the tofu or tempeh, ensuring it is golden brown and crispy.
Different Vegetables:
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, or baby corn.
Adjust the cooking time for different vegetables to ensure they are tender but still crisp.
Spicy Kick:
Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy variation.
Gluten-Free:
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Ensure all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are also gluten-free.
Low-Sodium:
Use low-sodium versions of soy sauce and chicken broth.
Adjust the amount of added salt to keep the dish heart-healthy.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is an incredibly versatile and delicious dish that brings together sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors in a balanced way. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes this dish a family favorite and a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the ingredients to suit different dietary needs make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this stir fry is sure to please. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dish and savor every bite of its wonderful flavors.