If you are craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious meal, this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Bursting with colorful veggies and tender chicken coated in a beautifully balanced honey soy sauce, this dish offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and a bit of spice, all cooked up quickly for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned pro, the bright flavors and satisfying textures make this recipe a total winner every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this stir fry sing are the simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a dish full of texture, freshness, and flavor. Each element plays a unique role, from the tender chicken to the crisp vegetables and that luscious honey soy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided: A healthy fat that helps sear the chicken and sauté the veggies to a perfect crisp.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color packed with nutrients.
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper: Cut into 1-inch pieces to add sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
- 1/2 red bell pepper: Also cut into 1-inch pieces, complementing the yellow pepper with a mild sweetness and visual appeal.
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a tender bite, balancing the savory elements.
- 2 tsp minced ginger: Injects a zesty sharpness that heightens the stir fry’s complexity.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor essential in any stir fry.
- 1 tbsp corn starch: Used to thicken the delicious honey soy sauce, giving it a glossy sheen.
- 2 tbsp cold water: Helps dissolve the corn starch for a smooth sauce consistency.
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and an umami base without being overly salty.
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: The core of your sauce, bringing saltiness and that unmistakable soy flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey: This sweet touch perfectly balances the savory and spicy elements.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Provides a nutty richness that elevates the sauce flavor to another level.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a little heat to make each bite exciting without overwhelming the palate.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Soy Stir Fry Sauce
Begin by whisking together the corn starch and cold water in a medium bowl to create a slurry. Then add the chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce. This sauce is the magic ingredient that brings all the flavors together beautifully later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes until cooked completely through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can focus on the veggies next.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir them occasionally and cook just until they reach a crisp-tender stage, preserving that lovely bite and vivid color. After a few minutes, add the minced ginger and garlic, then cook for an additional minute to release their amazing aromas.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared stir fry sauce another quick whisk, then pour it over the chicken and veggies. Gently stir to make sure everything is coated evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally, letting it cook for about one minute so the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to each piece.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little flair and extra flavor by garnishing your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions. These simple touches give your dish a subtle crunch and a burst of freshness that perfectly complement the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fragrant noodles like chow mein. The rice or noodles soak up that luscious honey soy sauce so every bite delivers maximum deliciousness. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or a simple leafy green side salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe in lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld option or spoon it over warm quinoa for an added protein boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try layering it as a filling in a crunchy spring roll wrapper for a delightful appetizer or lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to infuse the chicken and vegetables, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating helps keep everything moist and saucy just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the vegetables are softer or denser.
What can I substitute for chicken breast?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, or switch to tofu or shrimp if you prefer a vegetarian or seafood option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but it’s quite balanced. You can reduce or omit the flakes if you prefer a milder flavor or add more if you love heat!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The stir fry sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days ahead, making your cooking process even quicker during meal time.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for even cooking?
Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures each piece cooks evenly and quickly, preventing dry or undercooked bites.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both rewarding and remarkably simple. Its vibrant colors, bold yet balanced flavors, and speedy preparation make it perfect for any night of the week. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this tasty stir fry as much as I do. Once you try it, it might just become a staple in your cooking rotation!
PrintChicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
A quick and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry recipe featuring tender chicken breast and crisp fresh vegetables tossed in a savory homemade stir fry sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
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 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 well to combine and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper. 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 heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine evenly with the vegetables.
- Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce once more and pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to evenly coat everything in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and allow to boil for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy with steamed rice or chow mein noodles as desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control the sodium content.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables with snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for variety.
- Cook chicken in batches if your pan is not large enough to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
