Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 carrots, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice for serving

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Cooking

When I first tried making a stir fry at home, I was amazed at how quickly and easily I could whip up a flavorful meal. This Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry has quickly become one of my go-to recipes. It combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant vegetables, all coated in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. The best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings a taste of takeout right into my kitchen.

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:40:36.426Z

As someone who loves cooking, I've found that stir fries are a fantastic way to bring together fresh ingredients for a quick meal. This Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry not only tastes amazing, but it also allows me to incorporate any veggies I have on hand. While testing different soy sauce brands, I discovered that using a low-sodium soy sauce really enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

One of my keys to success with this recipe has been the technique of cooking the chicken quickly over high heat. This ensures that it stays juicy and tender. I've also learned to prep all my ingredients before starting to cook, which makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, letting the vibrant colors and aromas fill my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Colorful veggies add both nutrition and crunch.
Quick to prepare – ready in just 30 minutes!

Key Techniques for Stir Frying

Stir frying is about high heat and quick cooking. Ensure your skillet or wok is preheated before adding the oil; this will help create that seared flavor. When cooking the chicken, aim for a golden-brown exterior as a visual cue for doneness. If the chicken is crowded in the pan, it might steam instead of brown, leading to a less appealing texture. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Use a wooden spatula or a silicone spatula to avoid scratching your skillet. These tools allow you to toss the ingredients continuously, ensuring every piece gets evenly coated with the sauce. Remember, the aim is tenderness without overcooking; vegetables should remain crunchy, so keep them moving in the pan and check them frequently for that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Flavor Balancing Tips

The honey in this recipe adds a delightful sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference; if you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the honey by a tablespoon. To elevate the flavors further, consider adding minced garlic or ginger when cooking the chicken for an aromatic punch. These ingredients can significantly enhance depth, making the dish more complex and satisfying.

If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice when you combine the sauce. This addition will brighten the dish and introduce a tangy note that complements the sweetness beautifully. Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving to ensure your dish achieves the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

Gather everything before you start cooking!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 carrots, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice for serving

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious stir fry!

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey and soy sauce. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Veggies

Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Pour the honey-soy mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your homemade stir fry!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and ginger to the skillet while cooking the chicken. This will elevate the dish even more!

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe calls for chicken breast, you can easily substitute thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs are generally juicier and stand up well to stir-frying. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh can be delicious alternatives. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture for a firmer texture when frying.

The vegetables can also be swapped out based on what you have on hand. Snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms can add variety and still keep your dish colorful and nutritious. Just remember that cooking times may vary with different vegetables; softer ones may need less time, while denser ones may require a bit longer in the pan.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can marinate the chicken in honey and soy sauce a day in advance to infuse more flavor. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This technique not only saves time but also allows the flavors to intensify for a more robust dish.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or more soy sauce to return it to the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works great with shrimp, beef, or tofu.

→ How can I make this dish lower in calories?

You can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar substitute.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your preference.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance and cook just before serving.