Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, look no further than our Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. This recipe brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful honey garlic sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknights or any time you need a speedy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Slice the chicken and vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out your sauces and spices.
Cooking Utensils Required
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Marinating the Chicken
Ingredients for the Marinade
For the marinade, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
Step-by-Step Marinating Process
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Techniques for Juicy Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is no longer pink in the center.
Ensuring Even Cooking
To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, spread it out in a single layer in the skillet and avoid overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches.
Preparing the Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients for the Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Set both mixtures aside until ready to use.
Cooking the Vegetables
Best Vegetables for Stir Fry
For this recipe, we recommend:
- Broccoli florets
- Red and yellow bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Carrots
Cooking Methods
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the vegetables and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The vegetables should be vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Combining the Ingredients
Mixing the Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in the stir fry sauce and stir well to combine.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Ensuring Even Coating
Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated with the sauce for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Tips
Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Pairing with Side Dishes
Pair this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. A light, refreshing cucumber salad makes an excellent side dish to balance the flavors.
Nutritional Information
Calories per Serving
Approximately 400 calories per serving.
Macronutrient Breakdown
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
Tips and Tricks
How to Customize the Recipe
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to suit your taste.
Making It Ahead of Time
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet to maintain the flavors and textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and ensure the chicken is just cooked through.
Incorrect Sauce Consistency
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Substituting Ingredients
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Our Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s quick to make, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a new favorite in your recipe collection!
FAQs
- Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely, just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess water.
- What can I use instead of honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey.
- How can I make the sauce richer? Add a bit of hoisin sauce or a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra depth and richness.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
If you're searching for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, look no further than our Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. This recipe brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful honey garlic sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknights or any time you need a speedy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 tbsp butter (divided 1 tablespoon and 1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup snow peas
- 1 med red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 tbsp garlic (minced)
- Chicken Stir Fry Sauce
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoon over butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add carrots, snow peas, bell pepper, and broccoli to skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and place on a plate and cover.
Add remaining butter and melt. Season chicken with black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Then, add to skillet and cook 6-7 minutes stirring occasionally until all sides are browned.
Add garlic to the pan and saute for 30 seconds. Add vegetables back into the skillet stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, sesame seed oil, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk until well combined.
Pour stir fry sauce over chicken and vegetables stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
Serve while hot over rice. Enjoy!