Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

I recently tried the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry by Lentil Loving Family and it became an instant favorite. Tender pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables (like broccoli or carrots), all coated in a sticky, sweet‑savory honey garlic sauce—this recipe is ready in just about 40 minutes. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly I can pull this together—just 15 minutes prep and about 25 minutes cook time. The sauce is irresistibly glossy and flavorful: honey, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of cornstarch come together to make something that clings beautifully to chicken and veg. And it’s so versatile—I’ve made it with both chicken breasts and thighs, and I’ve swapped broccoli out for bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots depending on what I have on hand

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)

• sesame oil or vegetable oil

• cornstarch (to coat chicken and thicken sauce)

• broccoli florets (or mix of stir‑fry vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)

• garlic cloves, minced

• honey

• low‑sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)

• chicken broth or water

• ginger (optional, for extra depth)

• salt and pepper

• sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional garnish)

directions

Here’s how I usually make it:

1. I cut the chicken into bite‑sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and dust lightly with cornstarch.

2. I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat, then add the chicken in batches so it browns well and gets a crisp edge.

3. I push the chicken aside, add minced garlic (and ginger if using), and cook just until fragrant.

4. I remove the chicken, stir‑fry the vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.) for a few minutes until crisp‑tender.

5. I whisk together honey, soy sauce, broth or water, sesame oil, and a bit more cornstarch slurry—then pour it into the pan.

6. I return the chicken, simmer until the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy glaze.

7. I garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve over rice or noodles

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes

Variations

I’ve mixed things up by doing the following:

• Swapping chicken thighs for breasts (cook a few minutes longer)

• Using shrimp, tofu, or sliced steak instead of chicken

• Changing up the veggies: bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini

• Making it gluten‑free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

• Kicking up the heat with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil in the sauce

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is thick. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months but vegetables may soften upon thawing—best to freeze chicken and sauce separately if possible

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best?

I usually go with skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay juicier if I overcook a bit, but breasts give a cleaner, leaner finish.

Do I need to use cornstarch?

Yes, I use cornstarch to coat the chicken so it gets crispy and to thicken the sauce into that glossy, clingy glaze.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. I swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure any broth is gluten‑free.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes. I cook chicken and vegetables separately, keep them in fridge, and combine with freshly whisked sauce when ready to serve for best texture.

What goes well with this dish?

I enjoy it over steamed rice—white, brown, jasmine—or tossed with noodles. It also works well wrapped in lettuce wraps or served with stir-fried or steamed greens.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is exactly the kind of weeknight dinner I love: fast, flavorful, and flexible. I’m always thrilled with the sticky-sweet sauce and crisp-tender vegetables, and it’s amazing how easy it is to adapt for different proteins or dietary needs. It’s become a go-to crowd-pleaser in my kitchen!

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