Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Delicious Asian Chicken Recipe for Quick Family Dinners
Let’s be honest, sometimes the simplest meals are the best. This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a perfect example. It’s incredibly flavorful yet surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
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I’ve always been a fan of quick and easy weeknight meals, and this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry definitely fits the bill. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to impress.
It’s a simple and flavorful dish perfect for meal prep, and the addition of broccoli makes it a complete dinner. I love the Asian-style flavors; the sweet and savory sauce is addictive.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out the broccoli for other vegetables, serve it over rice or noodles, or even use it as a filling for wraps. Every bite is an explosion of flavor – the tender chicken, the crisp-tender broccoli, and that irresistible honey garlic sauce. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: I am using skinless, boneless chicken breasts in this recipe. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient is important to achieve that authentic Asian-style flavor. It adds a nutty richness to the sauce and enhances the overall taste profile. If you do not have it at hand, use vegetable oil.
Cornstarch: A little cornstarch works wonders in helping the chicken brown beautifully and gives the sauce a silky, thicker texture. It’s perfect for creating that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed broccoli pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. You can easily adjust the cooking time to your liking but do not overcook it.
Key Sauce Ingredients: The main sauce ingredients are honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, orange juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and sesame seeds.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well.
Step 2: Rinse and drain the broccoli florets. Use a steamer basket and steam the broccoli for 10-12 minutes.
Step 3: Add the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a frying pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and stir fry until golden brown, around 5-7 minutes. Pour half the sauce over the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add the remaining sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Step 6: Add the broccoli to the chicken and stir gently. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Add more sesame seeds and squeeze a lemon. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and serve.
Expert Tips
- Adding the sauce in two parts gives a perfect consistency—sticky without being too thick or dry. The first half caramelizes with the chicken, creating a rich, glossy finish, while the second half keeps the dish fresh and saucy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking to ensure the chicken is tender and juicy. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to give each piece enough space to brown properly.
- While broccoli pairs beautifully with this dish, you can swap it for other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
- This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
I love the versatility of this Honey Garlic Chicken! Sometimes, I serve it simply over a bed of steamed rice. Other times, I toss it with cooked noodles for a quick and easy weeknight meal. My kids love it in wraps for school lunches or dinner. The possibilities are endless!
More Asian Recipes
- Whip up a delicious vegan meal in under 30 minutes! This easy brown rice and lentil stir-fry is packed with protein and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Weeknight dinner doesn’t get much easier (or tastier)! This chicken and chickpea stir fry is packed with rainbow veggies and tossed in a homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a delicious option for busy nights.
- Level up your noodle game with this chicken and chickpea udon noodle bowl. Succulent chicken, fluffy chickpeas, and a rainbow of veggies make this dish a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
- Sweet, spicy, and oh-so-crispy—these sticky Chinese chicken wings are a flavor-packed treat! Oven-baked for the perfect texture, they’re coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.
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Equipment
- Frying pan or wok
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2-3 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds black and white
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- ½ lemon
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well.
- Prep the broccoli: Rinse and drain the broccoli florets. Use a steamer basket and steam the broccoli for 10-12 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Add the sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, orange juice, ketchup, sesame seeds, ginger, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a frying pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and stir fry until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then add the remaining sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Add the broccoli to the chicken and stir gently. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Add more sesame seeds if needed, and squeeze a lemon. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and serve.
Notes
- Adding the sauce in two parts gives a perfect consistency—sticky without being too thick or dry. The first half caramelizes with the chicken, creating a rich, glossy finish, while the second half keeps the dish fresh and saucy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking to ensure the chicken is tender and juicy. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to give each piece enough space to brown properly.
- While broccoli pairs beautifully with this dish, you can substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Nutrition
