This Better-Than-Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect answer to busy weeknights when you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The chicken is tender, coated in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, and paired with vibrant, crunchy vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is simple enough for beginners yet full of delicious layers of flavor that will impress anyone at your dinner table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
-
2 tbsp cornstarch
-
2 tbsp vegetable oil
-
1 cup sugar snap peas
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-
1 cup broccoli florets
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
1/4 cup honey
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar
-
1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
-
Prep the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 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 and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sugar snap peas, red and yellow bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. -
Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. -
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. -
Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. -
Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, and serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Nutrients
-
Calories: 400 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 28g
-
Protein: 30g
-
Fat: 18g
-
Saturated Fat: 3g
-
Cholesterol: 70mg
-
Sodium: 620mg
-
Potassium: 450mg
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sugar: 20g
Why Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein choice for this stir-fry for several reasons. They cook quickly and are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, allowing them to absorb the sauce and flavors of the dish while remaining tender. Chicken breasts are lean, which makes them a great option for those looking for a lower-fat protein, and they provide a satisfying texture when cooked properly.
By coating the chicken pieces with cornstarch before cooking, you help ensure a crispy, slightly crispy exterior, making each bite of chicken even more enjoyable. This method gives the chicken the perfect balance of tender and crisp, making it an ideal base for the flavorful sauce.
The Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Slightly Spicy
The sauce for this stir-fry is a simple yet flavorful combination of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. The soy sauce provides umami, the honey adds a rich sweetness, and the rice vinegar introduces a tangy note that balances out the richness of the sauce. For those who like a little heat, the sriracha brings the perfect spicy kick to the dish.
This sauce is the heart of the stir-fry, creating a glossy coating that clings to the chicken and vegetables. The cornstarch in the chicken helps thicken the sauce as it simmers, ensuring it’s just the right consistency to coat everything in a rich, flavorful glaze. The result is a mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that will keep you coming back for more.
The Vegetables: Crunchy and Colorful
The vegetables in this stir-fry are not just there for flavor; they also bring a delightful crunch and color to the dish. Sugar snap peas, red and yellow bell peppers, and broccoli florets all cook quickly, retaining their vibrant colors and crisp textures while absorbing the savory sauce.
The freshness of the vegetables perfectly balances the richness of the sauce and the tenderness of the chicken, making this dish feel light yet satisfying. Plus, they add a nice amount of fiber and vitamins, making the dish more nutritious.
How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is simple to make, with a short prep time and minimal ingredients. Here’s how to put it together:
-
Prep the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This will help the chicken develop a crispy exterior when cooked.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the sugar snap peas, bell peppers, and broccoli, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. This ensures that the vegetables retain their crunch and vibrant color.
-
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic infuses the dish with a wonderful aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
-
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables.
-
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Let the stir-fry simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions for Better-Than-Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
This dish is delicious on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides to round out the meal:
-
With Rice: Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and adds a satisfying base to the dish.
-
With Noodles: Stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, would pair perfectly with this dish, adding another texture to the meal.
-
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: To add more vegetables and make the dish even more vibrant, serve it alongside some simple stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or mushrooms.
-
With a Fresh Salad: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette, such as a cucumber or arugula salad, can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stir-fry.
Nutritional Information
This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a balanced meal, offering 400 calories per serving. With 30g of protein, it provides a healthy source of lean protein from the chicken. The dish also contains 28g of fat, 5g of which is saturated fat, making it a moderate-fat meal. The carbs (28g) come from the vegetables and the sauce, and the dish provides 2g of fiber, helping to keep the meal satisfying without being overly heavy.
The sodium content (620mg) comes primarily from the soy sauce and other seasonings, so it’s important to adjust the seasoning to your liking if you’re watching your sodium intake. The dish also provides a good amount of potassium (450mg) from the vegetables, along with 20g of sugar from the honey and a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
Conclusion
Better-Than-Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements in a satisfying and quick meal. The crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich sauce come together in a way that’s bound to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve for casual entertaining, this recipe offers a healthy, delicious alternative to takeout that’s just as easy to make at home.