Juicy chicken bites, crisp-tender broccoli, and sweet bell peppers coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce—this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the weeknight dinner you’ve been craving. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness with minimal fuss.

The magic of this stir fry lies in its simplicity. With pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you’ll whip up a takeout-style dish that’s better than your favorite Chinese restaurant. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice, this meal is endlessly customizable and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

Before diving into the cooking, gathering the right tools makes the whole process more efficient:

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok distributes heat quickly and evenly, giving your chicken that golden sear while keeping vegetables vibrant and crisp.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision is key when slicing chicken and vegetables thinly for quick cooking.
Cutting Board: Choose a sturdy one with enough space to prep all your ingredients.

Mixing Bowls: Handy for marinating the chicken and combining your stir fry sauce.
Tongs or Spatula: Ideal for tossing and stirring the ingredients to coat them evenly without breaking up the vegetables.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Essential for getting that perfect balance of honey and garlic in your sauce.

Having these ready before you start ensures a seamless stir fry experience, from prep to plating.

Ingredients for the Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Every ingredient in this stir fry plays a flavorful and functional role:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and a vibrant green pop while soaking up the stir fry sauce.
Red Bell Pepper: A sweet, colorful contrast to the savory elements.
Garlic Cloves: The core of the stir fry’s bold flavor—aromatic and punchy.

Honey: Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Delivers that essential umami kick while controlling salt levels.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency.

Water: Used to blend the sauce and prevent it from burning.
Olive Oil or Sesame Oil: For stir-frying and adding a light richness.
Sesame Seeds (optional): A garnish that adds subtle crunch and visual appeal.

How To Make the Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep and Slice Everything

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This will be your stir fry glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in broccoli and red bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite base.

How to Serve and Store Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This stir fry is best served hot, straight from the pan. Spoon it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even lo mein noodles for a filling, comforting meal. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work beautifully too.

To store, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through. The sauce may thicken more after chilling, so add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and offer a richer flavor and juicier texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

What vegetables can I swap in?

Snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms are great alternatives or additions based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your cornstarch brand.

How do I keep the veggies from getting soggy?

Avoid overcooking them. Stir-fry quickly on high heat and aim for that tender-crisp bite.

What can I serve on the side?

Egg rolls, wonton soup, or a cucumber salad make perfect side dishes to complete the meal.

Want More Chicken Stir Fry Ideas?

If you loved this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, here are a few more savory inspirations from Life With Olivia that you’ll definitely want to check out:

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked, no-fuss twist.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini if you’re craving steak in that same sweet-savory sauce.
One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta for a one-dish comfort meal.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein when you want takeout-style noodles in under 30 minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a creamy, cozy spin with cheesy goodness.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out—did you add extra veggies or spice it up with chili flakes? I love seeing how you personalize these recipes. Questions are always welcome too, so don’t hesitate to share!

Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a fast and flavorful dinner packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sticky-sweet garlic sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights and better than takeout!

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set aside.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth.

3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add broccoli and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.

5. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is coated.

6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Swap in chicken thighs for a juicier texture and richer flavor.

Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the sauce silky.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl

Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 480mg

Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Honey garlic stir fry, quick dinner, healthy chicken stir fry