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Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

quick honey garlic chicken stir-fry - featured image

A fast and flavorful honey garlic chicken stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a luscious sweet-savory glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 cup (100 g) snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned or thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 pound (450 g) of chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips about ½ inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and minced 4 garlic cloves. Set aside. (3 minutes)
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until mostly cooked through with a slight golden color. (5 minutes)
  4. Add snap peas, sliced bell pepper, and carrot if using. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant. (3 minutes)
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. (1 minute)
  6. If a thicker glaze is desired, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water until smooth. Pour into the skillet and stir constantly until sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. (2 minutes)
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Stir and taste; adjust seasoning with salt or extra honey if needed. (2 minutes)
  8. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Add honey at the right moment to caramelize without burning. Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir frequently after adding sauce to prevent burning. Prepare all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth workflow. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegetarian, use firm tofu or tempeh pressed and pan-fried before adding sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy recipe, weeknight meal, chicken stir-fry, honey garlic sauce