Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (divided use); 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the sweet and savory magic of Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. This colorful, vibrant dish is an absolute weeknight winner—quick to make, loaded with fresh veggies, and packed with flavor from a bold honey-garlic sauce. Whether you’re new to stir fries or a die-hard fan, you’ll love how this recipe turns simple, everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy meal that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce to pull off this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, and every ingredient serves a real purpose. From the juicy chicken to the nutrient-packed vegetables and that all-important, glossy sauce, each element brings its own signature note to the bowl.

Vegetable oil: Helps the veggies and chicken cook beautifully without sticking and brings a bit of shine to the finished dish.

Carrots: Thinly sliced for color and crunch; they soak up the sauce while retaining just the right bite.
Broccoli florets: Add a pop of green, along with texture and fiber that contrasts perfectly with the chicken.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and stay juicy amid all the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves may seem like a lot, but you need it for that gorgeously fragrant, slightly spicy backbone of flavor.

Low sodium chicken broth (or water): Forms the savory base of the sauce and keeps the flavors balanced.
Soy sauce: Adds that irresistible umami punch and the essential salty richness to anchor the sweetness.
Honey: Brings sweetness and an irresistible glaze, making this stir fry totally addictive.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect, silky consistency that hugs every morsel.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the overall dish, so flavors pop just right.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating just a teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli and carrots, letting them sizzle, become vibrant, and soften up a bit—about 4 minutes is perfect. They should turn bright and just tender, signaling they’re ready to come out. Slide them onto a plate and cover to keep warm; this keeps them perfectly crisp-tender for your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.

Step 2: Prepare for Chicken

Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel (no need to worry about any stuck bits), then crank the heat to high. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil—it’ll get shimmering hot in seconds, which is key for achieving that beautiful golden sear on the chicken. This short clean-up step stops the veggies from burning and gives your chicken the perfect backdrop.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken pieces with a touch of salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t crowd the chicken—if needed, cook in batches for the best golden crust. Each piece only needs about 3 to 4 minutes per side to cook through and caramelize, turning them into little nuggets of flavor.

Step 4: Garlic Time

Once the chicken is mostly cooked, add the minced garlic right on top. Stir it all together and let the garlic fry for about 30 seconds. It becomes wildly fragrant and infuses the entire stir fry with its signature punch—don’t skip this moment!

Step 5: Bring Back the Veggies

Add your cooked carrots and broccoli back into the pan. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. This step brings together all the flavors and warms your vegetables without turning them mushy—a hallmark of a great Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.

Step 6: Whisk up the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend the low sodium chicken broth, honey, and soy sauce until well combined. This trio is the heart and soul of the dish, creating a sweet, sticky, and savory sauce that pulls all the other flavors together.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Quickly mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water in a separate small bowl—this step prevents any lumps. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, allowing it to bubble gently for 30 seconds, then add the cornstarch slurry. Bring everything to a gentle boil; within a minute, the sauce will thicken to that iconic glossy finish.

Step 8: Serve

Once the sauce is perfectly thickened, serve the stir fry immediately, ideally over steamed rice or fluffy noodles. The whole dish comes together in under half an hour, piping hot and ready to devour.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with a shower of freshly chopped scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. These little touches add color and a kick of flavor you don’t want to miss.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is dynamite served over steaming jasmine rice, brown rice, or tender rice noodles. If you want to keep things lighter, spoon it over a bed of cauliflower rice or serve alongside a simple Asian-style cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try packing the stir fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held dinner, or spoon it into a pretty bowl and top with extra veggies for a power lunch. You can even portion it into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. However you serve it, Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is as versatile as it is irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or reliving your delicious dinner all over again.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let them cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll hold up beautifully for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, the veggies may soften a touch upon thawing, but the flavor will be just as satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, or toss everything into a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. The sauce will loosen up, and your stir fry will taste almost as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute in Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. They’re a bit juicier and add extra richness, just be sure to cook them until they’re completely done.

What vegetables can I swap in?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Try bell peppers, snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or whatever you have on hand. Just keep to similar cooking times so everything stays vibrant and crisp.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, like tamari or coconut aminos, and confirm the broth you use is gluten-free as well.

How can I make the stir fry spicier?

If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and veggies. You get extra dimension and a lovely lingering spice.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for meal prep fans. Pack it with rice in containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and sure to earn repeat requests, Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is it. I hope you give it a try soon and make it part of your regular rotation—it’s one dish guaranteed to brighten up even the busiest weeknight!