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If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is absolutely the one to keep in your weeknight arsenal. It balances tender, juicy chicken with crisp, caramelized broccoli, all bathed in a glossy, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. The best part? It takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this stir fry, it will become one of your go-to meals for quick comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A simple white bowl filled with a dark brown sauce with a smooth, slightly shiny texture. The sauce swirls gently around a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is super straightforward because it relies on simple ingredients, each playing a vital role to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. These staples come together beautifully without requiring a trip to specialty stores.

2 tablespoons oil, divided: Using two amounts of oil helps with perfect browning and cooking—one for the broccoli and one for the chicken.
2 cups broccoli: Adds a satisfying crunch, vibrant green color, and wonderful nutrition.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the honey garlic sauce perfectly.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that signature pungent, aromatic flavor that makes this stir fry so addictive.
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Brings the essential salty umami that balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup water: Helps to keep the sauce light and ensures even cooking when combined with soy sauce and honey.
1/4 cup honey: Adds a luscious sweetness and glossy finish that is vital for this recipe.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a subtle nuttiness that elevates the flavor profile tremendously.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: The secret to that perfect thick and clingy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Sesame seeds for garnish, if desired: A little crunch and visual appeal that makes every bite feel special.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli and cook it until it’s tender and just starting to caramelize, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. The caramelization adds a slight sweetness and a lovely texture contrast. Once done, remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside to give your chicken the space it needs to cook perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. To get that ideal caramelized crust on your chicken without steaming it, cook the pieces in two batches—crowding the pan will cause them to steam rather than sear. Once chicken pieces are golden brown, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt. This step ensures the garlic flavor is fresh and robust.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, mix together the soy sauce, water, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken in your skillet. Then, add the broccoli back to the pan to mingle flavors. The sauce blends all the components, infusing the dish with that signature honey garlic taste.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, stir the cornstarch into a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the pan’s sauce while simmering. This will thicken the sauce in just 1 to 2 minutes so it clings wonderfully to every piece of chicken and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished stir fry if desired, adding a subtle nutty crunch and a pretty visual touch. Now your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is ready for the table, bursting with vibrant colors, textures, and a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is bound to brighten any mealtime.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A white speckled bowl filled with three main layers is shown resting on a brown cloth over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white rice with a soft texture, covering the base of the bowl. On top of the rice, there are small bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly. The top layer consists of light brown cooked chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce mixed with sliced green onions and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the optional sesame seeds, you can add chopped green onions for a fresh bite and pop of color. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving also adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness of the honey garlic sauce and brings a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the sauce beautifully. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice works effortlessly, while quinoa can add a nutty dimension. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles provide a fantastic base that complements the dish’s textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this meal over crispy wonton chips or inside tortilla wraps to turn it into a casual hand-held delight. You can also plate it with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch or dollop it onto a fresh bed of mixed greens for a warm salad experience that feels light but filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well, making it perfect for a quick leftover lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to stash it for longer, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the stir fry completely before freezing. When frozen, the textures might slightly soften, but the flavors remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Reheating in the microwave is convenient too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. They tend to stay more tender and juicy, adding a richer flavor, but you’ll want to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the low sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This small change makes the dish safe for those avoiding gluten without compromising on flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all pair beautifully with the honey garlic sauce. Just be sure to add vegetables according to their cooking time so everything finishes perfectly crisp-tender.

How sweet is this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

The honey adds a gentle, mellow sweetness that balances the savory soy and pungent garlic notes. If you prefer it less sweet, feel free to reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two to suit your palate.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

You can prep the sauce and chop all vegetables and chicken ahead of time, even the day before. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in no time, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quick, vibrant stir fry that brings bold flavors and beautiful textures together with minimal effort. This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe delivers on all fronts—speed, simplicity, and sensational taste. I truly hope you give it a try soon and discover just how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Once it’s on your table, I’m sure it will become a beloved classic you turn to again and again.

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