Skip ordering out and enjoy a delightful homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry right in the comfort of your kitchen! This quick and delicious recipe combines sweet and savory elements that dance on your taste buds, making it an irresistible choice for your weeknight dinners. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a feast for the eyes.
What sets this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry apart is its incredible versatility. You can adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for efficient cooking solutions or someone who loves experimenting with different flavors, this recipe is a perfect match. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal anytime without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
- Quick Preparation: Make a delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The honey garlic sauce is a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
- Healthy Option: Packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Recipe: Customize with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your kitchen is clean and organized. You’ll need a large skillet or wok for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, a mixing bowl for the sauce, and a cutting board for chopping. A good knife will also make prep work easier.
Having your ingredients prepped and within reach will streamline the cooking process. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Prepare your vegetables by slicing the zucchini and bell pepper and chopping the onion. Lastly, minced garlic and ginger will release aromatic flavors when cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder – ½ tsp each, for seasoning chicken
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 medium zucchini – sliced
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper – use any color you prefer for added sweetness
- ½ white onion – chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tsp ginger – minced
- For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes – optional, for a bit of heat
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. To enhance the flavor, season them with ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the tablespoon of cornstarch over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken achieve a crispy texture when cooked. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Mix until smooth and homogenous, making sure the cornstarch is dissolved. This mixture will form the sweet and garlicky sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil along with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and chopped onion to the hot skillet. Stir-fry these vegetables quickly for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside temporarily on a plate. This step is crucial as it prevents overcooking and ensures they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the chicken! In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Spread the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow them to sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping over to brown the other side. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Once browned, add in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the aromatics coat the chicken.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Vegetables
Pour the prepared honey-garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing the flavors to meld. After it reaches a boil, let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally. This simmering will thicken the sauce, enhancing the coating on your chicken. Once thickened, return the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet and toss everything together until coated in the glossy sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to heat everything through, making sure the dish is warm and inviting.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition.
- Spices: Adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Always cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the sauce sweetness by varying the amount of honey.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as an alternative.
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a proper sear.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
Tips
- Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook to make the process smoother.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer after adding the cornstarch.
- For a tangy twist, add a splash of lime juice right before serving.
- This dish is perfect for meal prepping; it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I make this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir-fry the vegetables and combine everything when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce to replace regular soy sauce in the recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry not only offers a delightful burst of flavors but also makes for a quick and simple solution to your dinner dilemma. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire. Encourage your friends and family to try out different variations or leave their feedback in the comments! Relish the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals together.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delightful homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry right in the comfort of your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder – ½ tsp each, for seasoning chicken
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 medium zucchini – sliced
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper – use any color you prefer for added sweetness
- ½ white onion – chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tsp ginger – minced
- For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes – optional, for a bit of heat
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. To enhance the flavor, season them with ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the tablespoon of cornstarch over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken achieve a crispy texture when cooked. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Mix until smooth and homogenous, making sure the cornstarch is dissolved. This mixture will form the sweet and garlicky sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil along with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and chopped onion to the hot skillet. Stir-fry these vegetables quickly for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside temporarily on a plate. This step is crucial as it prevents overcooking and ensures they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Spread the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow them to sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping over to brown the other side. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Once browned, add in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the aromatics coat the chicken.
- Pour the prepared honey-garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing the flavors to meld. After it reaches a boil, let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally. This simmering will thicken the sauce, enhancing the coating on your chicken. Once thickened, return the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet and toss everything together until coated in the glossy sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to heat everything through, making sure the dish is warm and inviting.
Notes
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 30 g