This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky—just like your favorite takeout, but even better because it’s made fresh at home. Tender strips of chicken are coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce and tossed with colorful bell peppers and onions for a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
Better than takeout with fresh, simple ingredients
Sweet and savory sauce with the perfect sticky glaze
Family-friendly flavors everyone will enjoy
Easy one-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
Customizable with your favorite vegetables
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups chicken breast, thinly sliced into strips (about 450 g)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 large bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Directions
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Add broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables and color.
Substitute chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce for a spicy kick.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until heated through. You can add a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work very well and provide a slightly richer flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can slice the chicken and vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking. Cook just until the chicken is no longer pink and remove it from the pan promptly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. This recipe is very flexible and works well with many stir-fry vegetables.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It has a balanced sweet and savory flavor, but you can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Do I need a wok to make this?
No, a large skillet works perfectly fine for this recipe.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying meal that delivers bold, restaurant-style flavor right from your own kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly sticky honey garlic sauce, it’s a simple recipe you’ll turn to again and again for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something better than takeout.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken strips tossed with bell peppers and onions in a sweet and savory sticky honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
