Let me paint you a picture.
It’s 6:12 p.m., I just walked through the door, my kids are already asking “what’s for dinner?”, and I haven’t even changed out of my shoes. I peek into the fridge—there’s chicken. Great. Bell peppers and broccoli? Even better. And somewhere deep in the pantry, I find a half-used bottle of soy sauce and a jar of honey.
Enter my weeknight hero: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.
This recipe came into my life not through a cookbook or Pinterest search, but out of sheer necessity. I needed something fast, flavorful, and made with what I had on hand. The first time I made it, I didn't even measure. I trusted my taste buds. And to my surprise, it was a hit—like clean-the-plate kind of hit.
Now, I’ve refined the recipe and made it a staple in our kitchen. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and balanced. It’s fast enough for a chaotic Monday and special enough for a cozy Friday dinner in. If you’re looking for a reliable go-to dinner that’s both nutritious and crave-worthy, this is it.
🍗 Fast and Easy
From fridge to fork in just 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want something homemade and satisfying.
🍯 That Sweet-and-Savory Sauce
The honey garlic sauce hits all the right notes—sticky, salty, sweet, garlicky, and oh-so-good over rice.
🥦 Packed With Veggies
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, zucchini—you name it. Stir fry is the easiest way to get in your colors.
🍚 Endlessly Customizable
Make it with chicken, tofu, beef, or shrimp. Use whatever veggies you have. This dish is as flexible as you need it to be.
🍽️ Better (and Cheaper) Than Takeout
Faster than waiting for delivery, cheaper than eating out, and you control every ingredient.
The real star of this stir fry is the honey garlic sauce—a beautiful balance of umami, sweetness, and depth. It’s made from pantry staples, but it tastes like something you’d get at a high-end Asian bistro.
Here's why it works:
You can adjust it to your taste—sweeter, saltier, spicier. It’s practically foolproof.
For this version, I stick with boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly so it cooks quickly and absorbs all that beautiful sauce. But you can absolutely make it your own:
Whatever you choose, make sure the protein is seared well before adding the sauce—this helps lock in flavor and gives it that restaurant-style finish.
I always say, stir fry is a fridge-cleanout dream. Here are some veggies that work beautifully:
Feel free to combine 2–3 veggies for color, texture, and nutritional punch. Just make sure they’re cut uniformly for even cooking.
You don’t need fancy equipment to stir fry—just:
This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep:
👉 Meal Prep Tip: Make extra sauce and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Pop out a few cubes anytime you need flavor fast!
Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
🌶️ Spicy Honey Garlic: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce
🥜 Thai-Inspired: Add a spoon of peanut butter + a drizzle of lime juice
🌽 Asian Fusion: Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for extra depth
🍋 Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or juice to the sauce
It’s hard to go wrong. This recipe is designed to evolve with your cravings and pantry.
For drinks? Try a chilled ginger tea, sparkling water with lime, or a light white wine like Riesling.
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?”—especially on busy weeknights. Juicy pieces of chicken breast are stir-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce with just the right kick. Paired with crunchy vegetables and served over rice or noodles, this dish is as wholesome as it is addictive. It comes together in under 30 minutes, all in one pan!
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar (if using). Set aside.
Pat chicken dry and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to lightly coat.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Add the cornstarch slurry, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Magali — a food lover, traveler, cook, and writer. I love exploring the world, studying culinary arts, and sharing my experiences along the way.
I believe that cooking is more than just preparing dishes. For me, it’s a way to express love, creativity, and connection. Each recipe has the power to tell a story and create moments of joy and pleasure, both in the kitchen and at the table.
Thank You!
