If you’re craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dinner that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp colorful vegetables, and a luscious sauce that blends honey’s sweetness with the savory depth of soy and the nutty hit of toasted sesame oil. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or just want a healthy, satisfying meal, this recipe not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely incredible every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all you need to create this beautiful stir fry. Each component brings something special: the chicken adds protein and heartiness, fresh veggies bring crunch and vibrant color, and the sauce pulls everything together with a harmonious mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided: One tablespoon for cooking the chicken and one for sautéing the veggies to a perfect crisp.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and a boost of nutrients.
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped: Provides sweetness and bright sunshine color.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a pop of vibrant red and a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced: Sweet and tender with a satisfying bite.
- 2 tsp minced ginger: Gives a warm, zesty kick that brightens the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential aromatic that deepens the flavor.
- 1 tbsp corn starch: Helps thicken the stir fry sauce for that luscious coating.
- 2 tbsp cold water: Used to create the slurry that blends with the sauce ingredients.
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Delivers umami-rich saltiness to balance the honey.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings a natural sweetness that harmonizes with the soy sauce.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Offers a smoky, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
How to Make Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
Start by whisking together the corn starch and cold water in a medium bowl until smooth—this slurry will help thicken your sauce perfectly. Then, add the low sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good whisk so the flavors mingle and set this aside while you cook.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Then remove it from the skillet and set aside so you can focus on the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn crisp-tender and their colors really pop. Add the minced ginger and garlic last, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring gently to coat every bite in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for one minute to thicken up the sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Top your stir fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for extra texture and a burst of color. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also add a refreshing herbal note that complements the savory-sweet sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a healthy yet indulgent base. If you prefer noodles, crispy chow mein noodles or even rice noodles make an excellent pairing to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and veggies in crispy lettuce cups for handheld bites that are both light and refreshing. Another idea is to plate the stir fry over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that still packs all the flavor you love in this Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it an ideal option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that some veggies may soften a bit after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to heat evenly and avoid overcooking the vegetables, keeping their fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy during cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook them until they’re fully done.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe gluten-free, simply swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. It won’t compromise the delicious flavor at all!
What vegetables work best if I want to use what I have on hand?
This recipe is very flexible! Snap peas, snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini are all great choices. Just be sure to keep the vegetables cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How spicy is the stir fry?
The heat in this recipe comes from a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce. The cooking method and sauce remain the same, ensuring a delicious plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite because it marries simple ingredients with incredible flavor in every bite. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and ready faster than you can order takeout. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share that satisfying moment of digging into a bowl filled with colorful veggies and tender chicken coated in a luscious honey soy glaze. Happy cooking!
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Easy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry with Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and a flavorful homemade sauce featuring honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy and vibrant stir fry is perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, then whisk again to combine fully. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together evenly.
- Add and Cook with Sauce: Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce once more, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything with the sauce evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Allow it to boil for one full minute to thicken the sauce and finish cooking the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken stir fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or alongside chow mein noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Feel free to swap in other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini based on your preference.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Cooking chicken in batches ensures it browns evenly without overcrowding the pan.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers may become soggy when reheated.