Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice for serving

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love my Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry! The combination of sweet honey and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken. This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a colorful feast. As I was developing this recipe, I found that marinating the chicken for just 15 minutes elevates the flavors and results in a dish that's bursting with taste. It's a delightful and healthy option that's always a crowd-pleaser!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:52:37.686Z

When I first decided to make a stir fry, I wanted something that would bring together sweet and savory flavors seamlessly. The Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry was born out of that desire, and let me tell you, it's been a hit at every dinner table I've served it at! Using fresh vegetables not only adds color but also brings layers of texture that make this dish intriguing.

One of the biggest tips I can give is to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir frying is a fast process, and having all your ingredients chopped and measured ensures that nothing overcooks. Trust me, this can save your dish from turning into a soggy mess!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of sweet and savory with honey and soy sauce.
Quick to prepare and cook, ideal for busy weeknights.
Packed with colorful veggies for added nutrition.

Marinade Magic

The marinade is the heart of this Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry, enhancing the chicken's flavor and tenderness. Honey not only adds sweetness but also helps to create a beautiful glaze when cooked. The soy sauce provides umami depth, while sesame oil contributes a nutty richness. This combination ensures that each bite is flavorful. For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes; however, if time allows, marinating for up to an hour will deepen the flavors even further.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with your marinade! If you're looking for a bit of a kick, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a more nuanced sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Vegetable Variations

Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal of your stir fry but also boosts nutritional value. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, making them a healthy addition. If you're out of bell peppers, feel free to substitute them with other sturdy vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini. Just ensure that whatever you choose can stand up to quick cooking, maintaining a tender-crisp texture.

For those looking to increase the health factor, consider adding a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last few moments of cooking. These greens wilt quickly and can add a nice texture while not overpowering the dish’s flavor. This flexibility lets you tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add the sliced chicken, coat well, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken is marinating, chop the bell peppers and broccoli. Set them aside.

Stir Fry the Chicken

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden brown.

Add Veggies

Add in the garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour it into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add cashews for an extra crunch. If you want more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes while stir-frying.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, creating a taste that's as delightful as when first prepared. When you’re ready to reheat, simply place the stir fry in a pan over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to help prevent sticking. Stir continuously until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing is another excellent option if you want to make this dish ahead of time. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned, ensuring the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Scaling Up or Down

This recipe is easily scalable, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. If you're cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients, remembering to adjust the cooking time as necessary. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures each piece gets that desirable golden color instead of steaming and losing its texture.

On the other hand, if you're cooking for one or two, you can cut the recipe in half. If you do this, store any leftover marinated chicken separately to avoid sogginess. I’ve found that it’s a great way to meal prep—simply marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it fresh when you're ready, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well too but may require slightly more cooking time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ What type of rice is best to serve with this stir fry?

Jasmine or basmati rice complements the flavors beautifully, but any rice of your choice works.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead, then stir-fry just before serving.