Skip ordering out and enjoy a delightful homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry right in the comfort of your kitchen! This sweet, savory, and wonderfully fragrant dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Not only does this stir-fry bring authentic Asian flavors to your table, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit various tastes.
Introduction to Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a crowd-pleaser in many homes and a staple of Asian-inspired cuisine. With roots in the versatile cooking style of Chinese stir-fry, this dish highlights a harmonious balance between sweetness and umami flavors from honey and soy sauce, respectively. By combining tender chicken pieces with fresh, crisp vegetables, this meal becomes a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. If you’re a fan of dishes that blend comfort with a hint of exotic flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is an absolute must-try!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a smooth and quick cooking experience. Make sure to follow the preparation notes to save time during the cooking process!
- 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
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
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry – Step by Step
Follow these steps to create a delicious, restaurant-quality Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry at home.
Step1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces. Season with ½ tsp each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of cornstarch over the chicken, and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
Step3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and chopped onion. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
Step4: Cook the Chicken**
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until browned.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step5: Add the Sauce and Vegetables
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken, bringing it to a boil.
- Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens, stirring occasionally for about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a more robust flavor, elevating the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: For those who prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the honey by half and add a splash of extra soy sauce.
- Vegetable Variety: Swap zucchini and bell peppers with broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
Cooking Tips
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: Cooking on medium-high heat is crucial for searing the chicken quickly without drying it out.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to add.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup for a well-rounded meal. For drinks, iced green tea or a crisp Riesling would complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry offers a balanced meal packed with protein, vitamins, and a moderate calorie count. This dish can be easily adjusted to meet dietary preferences by swapping oils or reducing the honey.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
Storage and Leftovers
To store leftovers, allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well, though it may be slightly less juicy than thighs.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, if you substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. However, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving.
- What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
- Feel free to add broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn for added color and crunch!
Related Recipes
For those who enjoyed this recipe, you may want to try these dishes from Optimal Recipes for a complete meal experience!
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – A flavorful appetizer that pairs excellently with stir-fry dishes.
- Asian-Inspired Scallion Chicken Stir-Fry
– Another take on a classic stir-fry, perfect for experimenting with new flavors.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making this delightful Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry at home! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. If you tried the recipe, let us know how it turned out or share any unique twists you made. Happy cooking!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry – Quick & Delicious Recipe
Description
Skip ordering out and enjoy a delightful homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry right in the comfort of your kitchen! This sweet, savory, and wonderfully fragrant dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Not only does this stir-fry bring authentic Asian flavors to your table, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit various tastes.
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
- In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces. Season with ½ tsp each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of cornstarch over the chicken, and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and chopped onion. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken**
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until browned.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Vegetables
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken, bringing it to a boil.
- Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens, stirring occasionally for about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a more robust flavor, elevating the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: For those who prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the honey by half and add a splash of extra soy sauce.
- Vegetable Variety: Swap zucchini and bell peppers with broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
