If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a quick, healthy, and downright delicious meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and just a little garlicky.

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with cooked chicken pieces and bright green broccoli florets, mixed with slices of orange carrot. The chicken pieces are coated with a shiny brown sauce, giving them a slightly glossy look. A wooden spatula is lifting some chicken and broccoli near the center, showing the texture of the sauce and the crispness of the vegetables. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love making this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry whenever I want a fuss-free meal that still feels special. The balance of tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies smothered in a luscious honey garlic sauce gets everyone at the table excited to dig in.

Speedy prep and cook time: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh, wholesome ingredients: Uses simple veggies and lean chicken for a healthy dinner option.
Flavor-packed honey garlic sauce: Sweet and savory with a gentle garlic punch that everyone loves.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite stir-fry veggies or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s talk ingredients. I always recommend starting with fresh vegetables—like crisp broccoli florets and sweet carrots—and good-quality chicken breasts. Using low sodium soy sauce helps keep the saltiness in check without sacrificing flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh peeled thinly sliced carrots, fresh bright green broccoli florets, raw boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, four whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of clear light chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, scattered salt and black peppercorns on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: For the perfect sear on chicken and sautéing veggies without overpowering the flavors.
Carrots: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a nice touch of natural sweetness and color.
Broccoli florets: Adds crunch, fiber, and a vibrant green to the dish.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein cooked until golden, tender, and juicy.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential here.
Low sodium chicken broth (or water): Creates the base for the sauce while keeping it light.
Soy sauce: Brings that classic umami kick and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness.
Honey: The star of the sauce—adds subtle natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating.
Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to switch up the veggies, tweak the sauce, or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

Vegetable Swap: I love swapping in bell peppers or snow peas when they’re in season for a burst of color and crunch. Plus, they soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully!
Gluten-Free Option: For friends who need gluten-free meals, simply swap soy sauce for tamari. It keeps that rich umami flavor without the gluten.
Batch Cooking Tip: Cooking your chicken in batches ensures each piece gets that perfect golden brown finish without overcrowding the pan—a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Complete the Meal: Serve this stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles to make it a cozy, filling dinner.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows four white pans with different food stages on a white marbled surface. The first pan (top left) has a mix of bright green broccoli florets and smooth, rounded orange carrot slices layered evenly and filling the pan. The second pan (top right) shows cooked broccoli with a more vibrant green tone and softened carrot slices, scattered loosely with visible texture changes from cooking. The third pan (bottom left) contains raw, pale pink chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper, piled in an irregular arrangement covering most of the pan bottom. The fourth pan (bottom right) shows cooked chicken pieces browned on the outside with a slightly crispy texture, spread evenly to fill the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables to Tender-Crisp Perfection

Start by heating 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and thinly sliced carrots, cooking them for about 4 minutes. You’re looking for tender yet still crisp veggies—soft enough to enjoy but with a satisfying crunch that holds up when mixed later. Once done, remove them from the pan and keep them covered so they stay warm and crisp while you move on to the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel, then crank the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then place them in a single layer in the hot pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cooking in batches if necessary results in a beautifully golden outside and juicy inside. Each batch will take about 3 to 4 minutes per side—keep an eye out for that mouthwatering caramelized color.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Return Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the minced garlic directly to the pan and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this little step releases all that aromatic goodness. Next, toss the cooked broccoli and carrots back into the pan with the chicken, stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes so everything warms through and the flavors start to mingle.

Step 4: Whisk Together Your Honey Garlic Sauce

Mix up the sauce by whisking together low sodium chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Separately, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth—this slurry will help your sauce thicken perfectly without clumps.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Finish with a Glossy Sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan, letting it cook for about 30 seconds so the flavors start to blend. Then, whisk in your cornstarch slurry and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 1 more minute, just until the sauce begins to thicken and takes on a beautiful glossy sheen that coats every bite.

Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

For best results, serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry right away while it’s hot and saucy. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce, and get ready for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner that never disappoints.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the very best from your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, making it both delicious and easy to prepare every time.

Batch Cooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents the pan from overcrowding, which helps the pieces brown nicely instead of steaming. This gives you those beautiful golden edges that add flavor and texture.
Vegetable Timing: I learned that sautéing the broccoli and carrots first ensures they stay crisp-tender. Adding them back later lets them warm through without overcooking, so they keep that fresh bite.
Thickening the Sauce: Mixing the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pan creates a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps. It’s all about whisking it well and adding it slowly.
Using Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This saves you from an overly salty stir fry and lets the natural sweetness of the honey shine through. It also gives you more control to season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A white round plate holds a dish with three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of light brown rice with grainy texture, the middle layer consists of bright green broccoli florets and green snow peas with a smooth, shiny surface, and the top layer has small pieces of light golden cooked chicken mixed with thin, long orange carrot strips and red bell pepper slices. Two silver forks rest on the right side of the plate, and the plate sits on a blue cloth over a white marbled surface. In the background, there are two ceramic cups with blue and green patterns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Try garnishing your stir fry with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A few red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick if you like a bit of spice. Fresh cilantro also pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of this dish.

Side Dishes

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is wonderful served over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also pair it with noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles for a different take. For a lighter option, serve alongside quinoa or a simple Asian-inspired salad with a tangy dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the vegetables and the tender texture of the chicken.

Freezing

You can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stir fry gently over medium heat in a skillet or pan to preserve the texture of the vegetables and chicken. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other vegetables in this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn. Just adjust cooking times to keep veggies crisp and vibrant.

How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This swap keeps the flavor while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option and will add a bit more richness. Just be sure to cut them into similar size pieces and cook thoroughly until golden and cooked through.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or gloopy?

Be mindful when adding the cornstarch slurry—add it gradually while stirring. Once the sauce reaches a nice glaze consistency, remove from heat to avoid over-thickening.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic weeknight go-to that balances sweet and savory flavors while keeping prep and cook time quick. It’s versatile, satisfying, and full of vibrant veggies and tender chicken—a perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal without fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it!