Honey Chicken Stir Fry: Healthy & Delicious
This recipe for honey chicken stir fry is not only delicious-it is also a healthy dinner option. Yummy honey glazed chicken bites that are moist and flavorful. A perfect balance of sweet and savory ingredients that are sure to be a family pleaser. In this article, you will learn how to make honey chicken stir fry for a quick evening meal. The recipe is also very customizable – allowing you to substitute in the vegetables that your family likes best.
Honey is a natural sweetener that also helps to tenderize the chicken pieces. Using honey in recipes works because is pairs so well with a variety of spices and flavors.
Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Honey Glaze
Chicken is one of the most popular meats in the United States. It can be prepared in so many different ways that almost everyone has a favorite chicken dish.
Often we end up frying it (which is delicious – lets be real). But, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to take out and you can serve it over different side dishes. In just a short time, you can have a hot meal made with fresh ingredients.
Main Ingredients
In addition to common ingredients you likely already have, you will need:
- chicken breasts – boneless-skinless
- broccoli florets
- carrot slices
- honey
Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed into 1″ cubes work great. You can also use tenders that are a uniform thickness and cut them into small pieces.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs work with also and thighs are often more flavorful. My family prefers breasts so that is what I use.
Broccoli & Carrots
This recipe calls for broccoli florets. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli but I prefer fresh. If you use frozen – discard any that have a lot of stem attached.
Carrots are optional. But, I use both broccoli and carrots to give the chicken stir fry dish some color and flavor without adding a lot of calories. And, carrots are wonderful with a honey glaze.
Honey
When choosing honey for cooking, plain raw honey of any variety is just fine. In fact, honey is one item that should always be on your pantry shelf. It is so easy to use because it can be measured in the same way as granulated sugar.
If you know how to properly store honey, you never have to worry about throwing it out. Honey doesn’t spoil if protected from moisture.
Because it is sweeter than sugar – you may find yourself using less of it. It does have calories though – we must keep that in mind.
Substitutions
Broccoli and carrots are two popular ingredients in stir fry dishes. However, you can switch out these for other vegetables: water chestnuts, bok choy, snow peas, mushrooms, cauliflower, onions, zucchini or bell peppers work well.
While this is a chicken stir fry, you can use another source of protein if you want. Cubes of bees, shrimp or firm tofu cubes work. Almost any vegetable that holds up to frying works well in this chicken stir fry.
If you want to spice up the flavor level, add a few ginger slices or red peppers to the frying pan. Or, if you dare – instead of using regular honey – try some jalapeno hot honey!
Expert Tips
To ensure even cooking, be sure to cut your chicken and broccoli into even sized pieces. About 1-inch pieces is a good start. It really does not matter what size they are as long as they are uniform.
This helps all the pieces get done at the same time. But of course, smaller chunks are easier and quicker to cook.
If you want carrots to be extra tender, add them to the pot first and cook 3 – 4 minutes before adding the broccoli. This keeps the broccoli (or softer vegetables) from becoming over done and falling apart.
Side Dishes
There are many different side dishes to pair with this protein rich honey chicken stir fry recipe. In addition to the vegetables in the recipe, other types of steamed veggies are a good choice.
Asparagus or green beans work well as sides. Or, what about some noodles or quinoa?
Honestly, I am a fiend for white rice which I know is not good for you – perhaps it’s a southern thing? But, you can use other sides instead- consider brown wild rice for a hearty substitution. Another healthier option would be cauliflower rice.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
More Ideas
Stir fry recipes with chicken are popular because they are quick and easy to make. The same can be said for honey chicken cooked in an air fryer. The honey glaze adds special flavor and locks in moisture.
Need a break from chicken? How about a Honey Shrimp Stir Fry?
Or, do you need a quick meal with the other white meat? – Honey Garlic Grilled Pork Chops are delicious. If it is too cool to grill outside, what about some tender juicy Honey Mustard Pork Chops from the oven?
What about some yummy dessert snacks? For a great option that goes wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, try Honey Cranberry Cookies. They are an especially good choice for the holiday crowds.
Whatever you make, try to find some creative ways to include honey in your recipes. It can do so much.
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Honey Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
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Read my disclosure.Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Salt & Pepper – Optional
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons Honey
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound chicken breasts – boneless-skinless – cubed
- 3 cloves garlic – chopped
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups carrot slices
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil total
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into small 1 inch pieces. Cubes or slices are fine but none should not be over 1" thick.
- Cut the broccoli florets into small bite sized pieces and the garlic cloves chop into small pieces.
- Heat 1 1/2 Tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and broccoli, stirring occasionally – cook 8 minutes or until tender.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and dust with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken – turning to cook each side – until it is cooked with no pink in the middle. This took about 6 minutes for me.
- Add your chopped garlic to the chicken and stir well. Cook for another minute. Add your vegetables back to the skillet and stir.
- In another small bowl, combine the water (hot water is best), soy sauce and honey. Mix your cornstarch with just a bit of cold water and add it to the sauce mix.
- Pour your sauce mix over the chicken and vegetables and cook for an additional minute or 2 until the sauce begins to thicken.