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 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup snap peas; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Table

I always find myself craving a quick and colorful dish that captures the essence of a weeknight dinner, and Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry fits that bill perfectly. In just under 30 minutes, I can whip up a vibrant meal that bursts with flavors and textures, making it ideal for busy evenings. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce never fails to satisfy my family’s appetite. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:57:35.813Z

When I first tried stir-frying, I was amazed at how quickly and beautifully vegetables retain their crunch while cooking. For this Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry, I realized that keeping everything chopped and ready allows me to work swiftly. The secret is in the timing—adding the veggies in stages ensures they are vibrant and crisp.

I also learned that marinating the chicken for a short time in the honey-soy mixture enhances the flavor without needing a lengthy prep. This dish has become a favorite for its delicious balance of sweetness and savory notes, proving that healthy meals can be quick and delectable!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory combination that pleases everyone at the table
Quick and easy preparation perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile with seasonal vegetables for a fresh touch

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken in the honey soy marinade is essential not only for flavor but also for tenderness. The soy sauce acts as a natural tenderizer, while the honey caramelizes during cooking, adding a delightful depth of flavor. Aim to let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, extending this to 30 minutes can amplify the flavor even more. This brief marination period is ideal for busy cooks who want to save time without sacrificing taste.

Make sure to coat all pieces of chicken uniformly in the marinade. If your chicken is overcrowded in the bowl, some pieces may not absorb enough flavor. A zip-top bag can also be a handy alternative, allowing you to shake and mix everything thoroughly. This way, the flavors infuse well, ensuring a delectably sweet and savory profile throughout the chicken pieces.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry lies in its versatility with vegetables. While the recipe suggests bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, feel free to swap in seasonal options like zucchini, carrots, or even green beans. Just remember to cut your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. For instance, slice bell peppers thinly to match the quick cooking time of snap peas.

Don’t forget texture! Including a mix of crunchy and tender veggies will provide visual appeal and a satisfying bite. Keep an eye on the stir-fry; you want your vegetables to be tender yet crisp. Cooking them for just 5-7 minutes at high heat will yield vibrant, glossy results that will make your dish visually striking.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry excels when served over a bed of steaming rice or tossed with noodles. For a twist, consider using cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or whole grain noodles for added bulk. Garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions can provide a delightful finishing touch, adding not only flavor but also a pop of color.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply use a skillet over medium heat to refresh the flavors and crispness. You can also freeze the stir fry for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, warm it slowly in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal without the fuss on another busy night.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a mouthwatering stir fry that can be customized to your taste!

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Honey Soy Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Feel free to adapt the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious stir-fry in no time!

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced chicken and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Add the Vegetables

Once the chicken is nearly done, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Make sure everything is well combined, allowing the sauce to coat all ingredients. Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.

Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal that your whole family will love!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common issue when stir-frying is overcrowding the pan. If you add too much chicken or vegetables at once, they will steam rather than sear, losing that desirable caramelization. Instead, work in batches to allow each ingredient to cook evenly. This helps achieve the glossy finish and enhances the dish's overall flavor.

Another mistake is not letting the pan heat adequately before adding the chicken. For best results, a hot skillet or wok is crucial for getting those golden edges on the chicken. Allow at least 2-3 minutes for the oil to heat properly before adding the marinated chicken.

Possible Variations

To switch things up, consider adding a protein variation to the stir fry. Shrimp or tofu can substitute the chicken for an alternative protein source. Shrimp will require less cooking time, so add them just before the vegetables to prevent overcooking, while tofu should be pre-cooked until golden before being added to the stir-fry.

Herbs and spices can also be infused to give a unique twist to this dish. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sesame oil just before serving can elevate the flavor profile. For a fresh finish, consider tossing in chopped cilantro or basil right before serving.

Scaling the Recipe

This Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry is easily scalable depending on your needs. If cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the quantities of chicken and vegetables while ensuring your skillet or wok is large enough to handle the increased volume. You may need to cook in batches if you're preparing a larger version to maintain proper heat and cooking speed.

For meal prep, consider making a larger batch of the marinade to store in the fridge for quick weeknight meals. Having this ready can save time on busy nights, allowing you to quickly marinate the proteins before stir-frying, ensuring every meal bursts with flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?

Yes, using frozen vegetables is a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir fry.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the marinade for some heat.

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

→ Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.