Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry is the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy with a touch of sesame that adds an extra depth of flavor. The honey garlic sauce perfectly coats the chicken, making each bite juicy and flavorful. The dish is quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite veggies, and ideal for anyone craving a satisfying, balanced meal. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pan, reducing cleanup time!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 2 tbsp Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt, divided
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1/4 tsp sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce to make the stir fry sauce. Set aside.
2. In another small bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften.
6. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the honey garlic sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
8. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and everything to heat through.
9. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the stir fry and give it one final stir before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: Feel free to swap the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snow peas. You can use any vegetable you prefer or have on hand.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to make it more or less spicy depending on your preference. You can also add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Chicken substitute: You can replace the chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to make the dish a little lighter on sodium.
• Noodles or rice: Serve the stir fry over a bed of rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Storage/Reheating

• This stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply microwave it or reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though they may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the stir fry, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil if needed. However, the flavor will be different.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While stir fry dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients (chop the vegetables and season the chicken) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply cook everything when you’re ready to eat.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes to the stir fry. If you prefer extra heat, you can also include a diced chili pepper in the vegetables.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir fry?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh vegetables aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the stir fry.

How can I make this stir fry sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a little more honey or even a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce. Adjust to your taste.

Can I use a different sweetener besides honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar as a substitute for honey. The flavor will vary slightly depending on the sweetener used.

What other sauces can I add to the stir fry?

You can add a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce for an additional layer of flavor. Just make sure to balance the sweet and savory elements.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this stir fry gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients (like the chili garlic sauce) are gluten-free.

Can I add nuts to this stir fry?

Yes! Adding some chopped cashews or peanuts would add a nice crunch to the dish. You can sprinkle them on top just before serving.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, with tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a delicious sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and flavorful. You can easily customize it to your taste, making it a versatile dish that will become a go-to in your recipe rotation!

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