Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that’s both quick to make and bursting with flavor — and that’s exactly what you get with this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy honey-garlic sauce delivers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

This recipe is inspired by the simple joy of family dinners — those moments when everyone gathers around the table, drawn in by the irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and vibrant, bringing together everyday ingredients in a way that feels special. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this stir-fry transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable.

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken sauce)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice

• Or noodles of choice

---

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. Toss well to coat. This step not only seasons the chicken but also ensures it cooks up tender and juicy. Let it marinate for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

2. Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside. This glossy mixture will be the heart of your stir-fry — sweet, garlicky, and just sticky enough to cling to every piece of chicken and vegetable.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully done — it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp. The vibrant colors should remain bright — that’s how you know you’ve cooked them perfectly.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Give the honey-garlic sauce a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and beautifully glazes the chicken and veggies.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of sweetness, garlic, and savory flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

---

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

---

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: You can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn all make delicious additions.

• Protein Options: While this recipe uses chicken breast, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and rice separate for best texture when reheating.

• For Extra Flavor: Add a small dash of sesame oil at the end for a deeper nutty aroma.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is for a lighter meal.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s Fast and Family-Friendly

This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the ideal dinner for hectic weeknights. You don’t need to plan hours ahead or use complicated ingredients — just simple staples that you probably already have in your kitchen.

2. Balanced Flavors Everyone Craves

The sauce strikes the perfect harmony between sweet, salty, and garlicky. The honey adds a natural sweetness, while the soy sauce brings savory depth. The garlic, of course, ties everything together with a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.

3. Packed with Nutrients

Because the vegetables are lightly stir-fried instead of overcooked, they retain their crunch and color — along with most of their nutrients. The combination of lean protein and fiber-rich veggies makes this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep or Leftovers

One of the best things about stir-fries is how well they reheat. Make a double batch, portion it into containers, and enjoy flavorful lunches throughout the week. The sauce keeps the chicken tender even after reheating.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe based on what’s in season or what your family loves most. Swap in snow peas, mushrooms, or even asparagus for a fun twist. The sauce complements nearly any vegetable you pair it with.

---

The Secret to Perfect Honey Garlic Stir-Fry

The magic behind this recipe lies in timing and texture. Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat, so everything stays fresh and crisp. Here are a few tips for success:

• Prep Before You Cook: Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before turning on the stove. Stir-frying moves fast!

• Hot Pan = Better Flavor: Make sure your pan or wok is fully heated before adding the chicken. The sizzle helps seal in the juices and creates a slight caramelization that enhances the flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too much at once can cause ingredients to steam instead of sear. If needed, cook the chicken in batches for the best texture.

• Add the Sauce Last: Waiting until the end to pour in the sauce keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents the sauce from thickening too early.

---

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry is inspired by the timeless flavors of Asian-style home cooking — meals that feel wholesome yet vibrant. Growing up, many families have their own version of stir-fry, often using whatever vegetables were fresh that week. The magic wasn’t in expensive ingredients, but in how they were cooked — quickly, with love, and always served piping hot from the pan.

This recipe captures that same spirit: it’s comfort food reimagined for modern home cooks. It honors the tradition of simple, flavorful cooking that brings people together, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Every bite tells the story of balance — sweet, savory, and satisfying.

---

Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Beyond its incredible flavor, this dish also brings a nutritional boost:

• High in Protein: Lean chicken breast provides a steady source of protein to support muscle health and keep you full longer.

• Loaded with Vitamins: Colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots deliver a variety of vitamins and antioxidants that support immunity and eye health.

• Low in Processed Ingredients: The sauce uses honey as a natural sweetener, avoiding overly processed sugars or artificial flavorings.

• Energizing Meal: With complex carbs from rice or noodles and lean protein, it’s a balanced meal that provides lasting energy throughout the day.

---

How to Serve It

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

• Over Rice: Classic and satisfying. White rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

• With Noodles: Serve over stir-fried noodles or even rice noodles for a takeout-style experience.

• On Its Own: If you’re watching carbs or prefer a lighter meal, simply enjoy the chicken and vegetables as they are.

• With a Side of Salad: Pair it with an Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

---

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know this stir-fry reheats perfectly.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a bit more cornstarch slurry (½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water). For a thinner sauce, stir in a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. What can I serve instead of rice?

Try it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even soba noodles for a fun twist. Each option offers a unique texture and flavor pairing.

Print