If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, tender pieces of chicken marry perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, all tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that hits every note — sweet, savory, and just the right touch of garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a busy day or craving a comforting yet healthy meal, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity without any fuss. It’s one of those go-to dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of cooked chicken pieces and bright green broccoli florets mixed together in a silver pan. The chicken chunks are light golden brown and look soft, while the broccoli pieces have a fresh, bumpy texture and vibrant color. There is a thin layer of shiny sauce coating the chicken and broccoli, making the food look moist and flavorful. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. Each item is essential, contributing color, texture, and that incredible balance of flavors that makes each bite so satisfying.

2 tablespoons oil (divided): Using oil in two parts ensures both the broccoli and chicken get that perfect sear and caramelization.
2 cups broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch that balances the tender chicken.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces): Small pieces cook quickly and evenly, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives the dish its unmistakable aromatic punch and depth of flavor.
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: This adds umami richness without overpowering the other flavors.
1/4 cup water: Thins out the sauce just enough to coat everything beautifully without being heavy.
1/4 cup honey: Honey is the star sweetener here, adding a luscious, sticky glaze and a hint of floral sweetness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: A few drops bring a toasty, nutty undertone that rounds out the sauce.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Sesame seeds for garnish (if desired): A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal just before serving.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli and cook it until it’s tender yet still has that satisfying snap, about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice it caramelizes slightly during this time, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside. This step ensures your broccoli doesn’t get overcooked later and keeps its vibrant color.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet. For the best texture, cook the chicken in two batches rather than all at once—crowding the pan steams the chicken instead of searing it. Let each batch develop a golden, crispy exterior before flipping. This caramelization locks in the juices and adds beautiful flavor and texture to your chicken pieces. After the chicken is mostly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. The garlic softens and infuses the oil, creating a fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine the soy sauce, water, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This mixture is where the magic happens—the salty soy sauce balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey and the subtle richness of sesame oil, creating a sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli gorgeously.

Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet along with the cooked broccoli. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the pan. Keep stirring and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens and achieves that glossy, irresistible consistency that clings to every piece of chicken and floret of broccoli.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your stir fry and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately, sprinkling with sesame seeds if you’d like an extra crunch and a pretty finishing touch. This dish tastes best right away while it’s warm, fresh, and bursting with flavor!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with small, evenly sized pieces of brown glazed chicken mixed with bright green broccoli florets. The chicken pieces are coated in a shiny sauce sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds. A wooden spoon is in the middle of the dish, lifting a few pieces of chicken and broccoli. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds as a garnish is a classic, but you can also sprinkle sliced green onions or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh pop of flavor. If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines all on its own but also pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For a complete meal, you might add a simple cucumber salad or some roasted snap peas to keep the veggies flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups or stuff it inside warm pita pockets for handheld enjoyment. Another idea is to turn it into a meal prep bowl layered with rice and your favorite veggies, perfect for quick lunches that feel anything but boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it convenient for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the broccoli may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce during reheating can help restore the sauce’s original luscious texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and juicy. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts, and cook slightly longer if needed to reach the right temperature.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the low sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. That way, you keep all the flavor without any gluten concerns.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or sliced carrots would all be fantastic additions. Just add vegetables that have similar cooking times or add heartier ones earlier and delicate ones later to keep everything perfectly cooked.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the honey by a tablespoon or adjust to your taste. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to introduce a bit of acidity that balances sweetness nicely.

Can I prepare this stir fry ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, cook and combine just before serving. If needed, the sauce can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is truly a weeknight game-changer, combining wholesome ingredients and a sauce that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring it as much as I do—it’s a flavorful, colorful, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch it become a family classic!