I absolutely love this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe because it’s a surefire hit when you want a quick meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. The balance of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and that perfectly sweet-and-savory honey soy sauce makes it feel like you’re dining out — but without the wait or the pricey bill. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re looking to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers every time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the honey and soy sauce blend into a luscious glaze that coats everything beautifully without being sticky or overpowering. You’ll find that the mixture of fresh ginger and garlic really lights it up and that crunchy vegetables and juicy chicken combo is something my family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious fast.
- Balanced Flavor: The honey soy sauce adds just the right mix of sweet and savory that’s irresistible.
- Healthy and Colorful: Packed with fresh vegetables that keep it nutritious and vibrant on your plate.
- Family Favorite: My kids and husband always ask for seconds — it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe uses simple ingredients that work harmoniously together — fresh chicken, crisp veggies, and a sauce that’s easy to whip up but tastes like something special. When shopping, look for vibrant vegetables and fresh ginger for the best results.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh chicken breast and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Divided use for cooking chicken and veggies separately for better texture.
- Broccoli florets: I like to use fresh, but frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
- Yellow and red bell peppers: These add color and sweetness; cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Baby carrots: Slice thinly so they cook quickly but keep their crunch.
- Minced ginger: Fresh ginger is a game changer for that aromatic kick.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to bring out its bold flavor.
- Corn starch: Helps to thicken the honey soy sauce perfectly without clumps.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without excess saltiness.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Keeps the salt controlled while providing authentic umami.
- Honey: Balances salty flavors with natural sweetness and a sticky glaze.
- Toasted sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that you can adjust to your taste.
Variations
I love making this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe my own by swapping vegetables based on what’s fresh or what my family prefers. It’s such a flexible base that you can really get creative with it.
- Vegetable swaps: I sometimes use snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms instead of bell peppers and carrots depending on the season or what’s in my fridge.
- Protein alternatives: Tried it with thinly sliced beef or even tofu for a vegetarian twist — both turned out just as tasty.
- Heat level: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha if you like things spicy; my family enjoys a mild kick, so I keep it subtle.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that tastes fantastic.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by mixing your stir fry sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk the corn starch with cold water first to make a smooth slurry—this prevents lumps when heated. Then add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside while you cook everything else; this makes the sauce ready to thicken up your stir fry at the end.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high in a large skillet or wok. Add the cubed chicken in batches if needed—crowding the pan steams the meat rather than sears it. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside; this keeps it tender and prevents overcooking later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your broccoli, bell peppers, and sliced carrots. Stir occasionally, cooking just until the veggies become crisp-tender—don’t overcook or they’ll lose their vibrant color and crunch. Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until aromatic. This step gives you that lovely fragrant base that’s absolutely delicious.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your vegetables. Gently toss everything to combine. Give your sauce mixture a quick whisk (the cornstarch can settle at the bottom) and pour it over the stir fry. Stir gently, then bring to a boil and let boil for one minute—the sauce will thicken beautifully and coat the chicken and veggies in a shiny glaze. That’s your signal it’s ready!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe hot over steamed rice or crunchy chow mein noodles. The sauce clings to every bite, making it impossible to resist. Trust me, you’ll soon be making this again and again.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Chop all veggies and chicken beforehand and make the sauce early to streamline cooking.
- High Heat Cooking: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat up — this gives you that nice sear and keeps veggies crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming and get better browning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and colorful vegetables really make the difference in flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top — it adds a great crunch, a pop of freshness, and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. Sometimes a little squeeze of lime brightens it up even more and gives a lovely contrast to the sweet soy sauce.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides are simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For something more indulgent, chow mein noodles or even fried rice pairs beautifully. I’ve also served it alongside steamed dumplings for a fun Asian-inspired family feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating the stir fry over a bed of edible flowers or fresh herbs to elevate the visuals. Another favorite is serving it in individual mini cast iron skillets — it keeps things warm and adds flair to the table. You can even turn it into lettuce wraps for a fun handheld version that everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to three days. I make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the veggies might lose a bit of their original crunch after freezing, but the flavor definitely holds up.
Reheating
I prefer reheating leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain the texture without drying the chicken. Reheating in the microwave works too—just warm it gently in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly—they might need a minute or two longer to cook through.
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What can I substitute for honey if I don’t have any on hand?
Maple syrup or brown sugar works as a great substitute for honey in this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe. Both add sweetness, though maple syrup brings a slightly different flavor profile that’s still delicious.
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How do I make this stir fry spicier?
You can increase the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce, add a dash of chili garlic sauce, or sprinkle fresh sliced chili peppers while cooking. Start with small amounts—you can always add more to taste.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe reheats well and maintains good flavor, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store in portioned containers and reheat as needed for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners to toss together when life gets hectic. It’s filled with fresh, wholesome ingredients but feels indulgent enough to satisfy picky eaters and grown-up tastes alike. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s simple, reliable, and just downright tasty. Once you master this, you’ll have a versatile meal in your back pocket that can easily be customized to whatever veggies or protein you have on hand. Now, go on and make some magic in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
PrintChicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This vibrant Chicken Stir Fry recipe combines tender chicken breast cubes with crisp broccoli, colorful bell peppers, and baby carrots in a savory homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or chow mein for a complete and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to combine and set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine evenly.
- Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce once more, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let it boil for 1 minute to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken stir fry immediately over cooked rice or chow mein noodles, if desired, for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cook chicken in batches if needed to prevent steaming and ensure browning.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables with other favorites like snap peas or mushrooms.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without excessive salt; regular soy sauce can be used but reduce added salt accordingly.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
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