Embark on a culinary journey with our “Savory Sweetness” Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, a dish that masterfully combines the succulent flavors of chicken with the rich aromas of garlic and the subtle sweetness of honey. This stir fry is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a quick and healthy option for any day of the week. Perfect for those seeking a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor, this recipe brings together a variety of colorful vegetables and tender chicken in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love “Savory Sweetness” Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry:
- Flavorful and Fulfilling: A delicious balance of sweet and savory notes in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and an array of nutrients from fresh veggies.
Ingredients Notes For “Savory Sweetness” Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry:
- Chicken Breast: Sliced into thin strips for quick cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for more flavor.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots offer a vibrant mix of colors and textures. Feel free to add snow peas, onions, or mushrooms.
- Garlic: The key ingredient for the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to the sauce, balancing the savory elements.
- Soy Sauce: Provides depth and umami to the stir fry. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it a silky texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken strips in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for a few minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, stir-frying until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the vegetables until they’re just tender but still crisp.
- Create the Sauce: Add the garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Mix in honey and a splash of soy sauce, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions before serving over rice or noodles.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Chicken breasts: 500g (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, for coating the chicken
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, for stir-frying
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups, fresh or frozen
- Carrot: 1 large, sliced thinly
- Bell pepper: 1, sliced into thin strips (any color)
- Green onions: 2-3, chopped for garnish
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Honey: 1/3 cup
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup, low sodium preferred
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are well coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for garnish. Serve the honey garlic chicken stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.