If you love a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, then you are going to adore this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with vibrant veggies tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a homemade feast, this stir fry is your new go-to for comfort and excitement on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create its signature taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the tangy rice vinegar to the sweetness of honey and the crunch of fresh vegetables.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and umami without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the garlic and spice.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that elevates the flavors.
- Fresh ginger root (grated): Provides a zesty warmth and aromatic kick.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that bold, savory backbone.
- Sambal Oelek: Adds just enough heat for a gentle spice.
- Chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces): Juicy and tender, ideal for quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: Ensures a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild bite.
- Snap peas: Provide a fresh, crisp texture and pop of green color.
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant red hues.
- Large carrot (peeled and thinly sliced into coins): Brings gentle crunch and a lovely orange contrast.
- Refined avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A charming garnish for a little nuttiness and visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek in a bowl. This blend of ingredients creates the magic behind the dish, marrying sweet, tangy, and spicy notes to coat the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, toss the chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until they’re fully coated. This step is crucial because it not only seasons the chicken but also helps it develop a light, crispy exterior when cooked, locking in juicy flavor with each bite.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of refined avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas, stirring often until they start to brown and blister slightly—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. These veggies offer a fresh crunch and splash of color that make the dish irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the second tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Adjust the heat as necessary to keep it hot without burning the pan. Add the coated chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches. Let each piece cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through, with a deliciously crisp coating that contrasts perfectly with tender meat.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan along with the chicken. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and clings to every ingredient, creating a glossy, flavorful finish. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
While the sesame seeds provide a lovely touch, you can also add sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten things up. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but infuse an extra layer of freshness to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious honey garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or even sautéed noodles work wonderfully well by complementing the main dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir fry over crispy wonton strips or inside warm lettuce cups for a handheld delight. You could also layer it atop freshly steamed bao buns or alongside grilled pineapple slices to play with sweet and savory contrasts that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They will remain delicious for up to 3 days, making this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe an excellent choice for meal prep and quick weekday dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save your stir fry for later, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables might soften upon thawing, so it’s best to reheat gently and enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This method helps revive the dish’s original texture and flavor much better than microwaving alone.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used, but be careful not to overcook it as it tends to dry out faster than thighs. You might want to reduce cooking time slightly to keep it juicy.
Is Sambal Oelek essential for the spice?
While Sambal Oelek adds a nice kick, you can adjust the heat level or substitute it with sriracha, chili flakes, or even omit it completely for a milder dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes assembling and cooking the stir fry super quick.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add broccoli florets, baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy to customize the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables’ tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet. Just check all your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients with explosive flavors in every bite. Its balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Go ahead and give it a try—I guarantee it will become one of your favorites in no time!
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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
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are coated in cornstarch and cooked to a golden brown, then combined with crisp snap peas, bell pepper, and carrots. The dish is finished with a savory honey garlic sauce balanced with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from Sambal Oelek. Garnished with sesame seeds and served over rice, it offers a deliciously sticky and sweet stir fry experience.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- â…“ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced into coins
- 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, minced garlic, and Sambal Oelek until fully combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until they are fully coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked. Set aside the coated chicken.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of refined avocado oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to brown and blister, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the pan hot but avoid burning. Add the coated chicken to the pan without overcrowding—cook in two batches if necessary. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot, ideally over steamed rice.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the salt level in the dish.
- To prevent overcrowding and ensure proper browning, cook the chicken in batches.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Sambal Oelek or add chili flakes.
- Refined avocado oil is used for its high smoke point; you can substitute with another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point if necessary.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
