Name: Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup sliced carrots; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional

I absolutely love how quick and satisfying this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is. On busy weeknights when takeout is tempting but I still want something wholesome and packed with flavor, this is the meal I turn to. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a reliable go-to when time and energy are in short supply.

I’ve made countless stir fries over the years, but this one hits all the right notes. There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that smells amazing as it sizzles in the pan, and still manages to be healthy-ish and family-friendly. Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this recipe never disappoints. I usually serve it with steamed rice or noodles and call it a night — no fuss, all flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Fast and foolproof: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flavor-packed: The honey garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive.
One-pan magic: Fewer dishes, more convenience.
Customizable: Swap the veggies, spice it up, or keep it mild — your call.
Meal prep approved: Keeps well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?

For this stir fry, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into bite-sized pieces. That said, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you’re after a richer, juicier texture. Both options work beautifully — it really comes down to your personal preference. Just make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

If you’re short on time, pre-cut chicken strips from the store can save you a step. And if you’re working with frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

Options for Substitutions

You don’t need to stick rigidly to the original ingredients — this dish is wonderfully flexible. Here are some ideas if you need to swap things around:

Chicken substitute: Try tofu, shrimp, or beef strips for a different protein twist.
Broccoli and carrots: Snow peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn are all great veggie options.
Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Soy sauce: If you’re gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos make great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a hurry.
Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if that’s what you have on hand.

This recipe adapts well to whatever you’ve got in your kitchen — just keep that sweet-savory sauce base intact and you’re golden.

Ingredients for This Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Boneless, skinless chicken breast – The main protein in this stir fry, it cooks fast and stays tender when sliced thinly.
Broccoli florets – Adds crunch, color, and nutritional value; they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Carrots – Slightly sweet and vibrant, they balance out the savory elements of the dish.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with its signature bold flavor.
Honey – Brings a natural sweetness that complements the savory soy sauce and the zing from garlic.
Soy sauce – Adds that deep umami flavor that’s essential to any good stir fry sauce.
Cornstarch – Used to lightly coat the chicken and thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
Water – Helps adjust the sauce consistency and aids in steaming the vegetables slightly.
Vegetable oil – Used for stir frying the chicken and vegetables without overpowering the flavor.
Sesame seeds (optional) – A final sprinkle adds nuttiness and a little extra texture to finish the dish.

Each ingredient plays its role in balancing texture, flavor, and visual appeal — and when they all come together, you’ve got a deliciously addictive stir fry on your hands.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots thinly and break the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Having everything prepped ahead of time is key for stir frying since the cooking moves quickly.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, a splash of water, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. This will be your sweet, savory, and slightly sticky sauce that ties everything together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear without moving for 1–2 minutes, then stir and cook until fully cooked through — about 5–6 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the carrots first. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the broccoli and stir fry for another 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes until it coats the chicken and veggies nicely.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, and serve hot over rice or noodles. You can garnish with green onions or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.

How Long to Cook the Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

The entire cooking process takes about 15 minutes once your ingredients are prepped. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Chicken: 5–6 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
Vegetables: 6–7 minutes total for a crisp-tender texture.
Sauce: 2–3 minutes to thicken and coat everything beautifully.

Prep takes around 10–15 minutes depending on how fast you chop, so all in, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes from start to finish — faster than takeout delivery.

Tips for Perfect Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Cut ingredients uniformly: This ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Use high heat: Stir fry magic happens when the pan is hot — it gives that slight char and locks in flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
Prep sauce ahead: Have the honey garlic sauce mixed and ready before you start cooking.
Tweak to taste: Want more garlic punch or sweetness? Adjust the honey and garlic levels to suit your palate.
Finish with sesame oil: A small drizzle at the end adds an irresistible nutty aroma (optional but great).

These small details elevate a simple stir fry into a dinner you’ll crave again and again.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the prep: Stir frying moves fast — if your ingredients aren’t ready, you’ll be scrambling and risk overcooking.
Overcrowding the pan: Too much in the pan steams the ingredients instead of giving them a nice sear.
Overcooking the chicken: It can dry out quickly — remove it from the pan as soon as it’s cooked through.
Using too much sauce: A little goes a long way; the sauce should coat, not drown the stir fry.
Adding garlic too early: Garlic burns fast — adding it to the sauce or later in the stir fry prevents bitterness.
Forgetting to taste: Always taste before serving; sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of soy sauce makes all the difference.

What to Serve With Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic base that soaks up the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.

Garlic Noodles

Rich, buttery noodles with a light garlic flavor — an indulgent pairing.

Brown Rice or Quinoa

Adds a nutty bite and makes the dish a little more hearty and wholesome.

Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb option that still delivers that satisfying texture.

Stir-Fried Udon or Rice Noodles

For noodle lovers, these options turn your stir fry into a full-on noodle bowl.

Cucumber Salad

Light and crisp with a bit of acidity to balance the sticky-sweet sauce.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Crunchy on the outside, savory on the inside — they make a great side or starter.

Miso Soup

A comforting bowl of umami goodness to round out your meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers — lucky you! This stir fry keeps beautifully and reheats without losing its flavor.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: It also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan for best results.
Avoid freezing rice noodles if you’re serving with them — they can get mushy when thawed.

Estimated Nutrition

The following nutrition estimate is based on one serving (assuming 4 servings total) and may vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and portions:

Calories: ~350
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Sugars: ~12g (from honey and veggies)
Fat: ~14g
Saturated Fat: ~2g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: ~650mg
Cholesterol: ~75mg

This dish is high in protein, moderate in carbs, and can be made lighter by reducing oil or using low-sodium soy sauce. It’s a solid choice for balanced weeknight meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of chicken in this stir fry?

Tofu, shrimp, beef, or even tempeh all work great. Just adjust cooking times — tofu and shrimp cook quickly, while beef may need slightly more time.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Use tofu instead of chicken and swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Choose a plant-based soy sauce alternative if needed.

How do I keep the vegetables from turning mushy?

Stir fry the veggies over high heat and don’t overcook. They should be crisp-tender, not soft.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the pan, which can make everything soggy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and confirming all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan — this keeps everything crispy and evenly cooked.

How spicy is this stir fry?

It’s not spicy at all unless you add heat. Feel free to toss in chili flakes or a bit of sriracha if you want some kick.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A skillet over medium heat gives the best texture, but the microwave works for convenience. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.

Conclusion

Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is everything I want in a weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together with whatever’s in the fridge, and still end up with a meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just craving that irresistible combo of garlic and honey, this stir fry is a keeper. Keep it in your back pocket — you’ll reach for it more often than you think.