Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 large cloves minced garlic; ¼ cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional); ⅓ cup honey; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference); Cooked rice; Steamed broccoli

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking up a dish that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas—and my Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe does exactly that. It’s sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of garlicky, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is fluffy white rice, spread evenly in a thick circle covering most of the plate. On top of the rice are five pieces of cooked chicken glazed with a shiny dark brown sauce, speckled with small red chili flakes and chopped green herbs, giving it a glossy, sticky look. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape and are arranged closely in the center. To the right side of the plate are bright green broccoli florets, steamed and placed in a small cluster, adding a fresh and vibrant color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of stir-fries, but this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe stands out because it balances sweet and savory perfectly. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up after a long day, yet impressive enough to make you feel like you nailed dinner.

Balanced Flavors: The combination of honey, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce gives you that irresistible sweet-savory taste that everyone loves.
Quick to Make: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, you get a fresh, homemade meal without the takeout wait.
Versatile Ingredients: No strange pantry items needed—you probably have most of these on hand right now.
Family-Friendly: Mildly spicy but easily customizable, it’s perfect for feeding kids and adults alike.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white, fluffy rice; the middle layer consists of several pieces of glazed, browned chicken with a shiny, sticky texture covered in a glossy reddish-brown sauce; the top layer is fresh green herbs sprinkled over the chicken and a spoon drizzling more sauce over the dish from above. On the side of the bowl, there is a small portion of bright green broccoli. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic is truly in how these ingredients play off each other—the cornstarch crisps up the chicken just right, while the honey and garlic create a sauce that clings lovingly to every bite. Here’s why I trust each component in this recipe and a few shopping tips to keep it fuss-free.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders arranged neatly beside two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of white cornstarch powder on a simple white ceramic plate, a handful of large peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl holding clear light chicken stock, a small white bowl containing light amber honey, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with pale rice vinegar, bright green finely chopped fresh parsley piled lightly on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with vibrant red chili flakes, all ingredients evenly spaced and symmetrically balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: Tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for bite-sized stir-fry pieces.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Cornstarch: This is key for that crispy texture on the outside, locking in juiciness inside.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: Together they add richness and help brown the chicken beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must here—its robust aroma and flavor make the sauce unforgettable.
Chicken stock: Adds depth without overwhelming the honey-garlic balance.
Rice vinegar: A subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
Light soy sauce: For that classic umami saltiness that anchors the flavors.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): If you like a little kick, this takes the heat beyond the red pepper flakes.
Honey: The star of the show—make sure you use good-quality honey for the best sweetness and texture.
Fresh parsley: A fresh herb touch to finish, adding brightness and color.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust based on your spice preference for a gentle warmth.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this recipe so much that I’ve found some fun twists you can make depending on what’s in the fridge or your mood. Don’t hesitate to swap or add your favorite veggies or spices.

Variation: I’ve thrown in snap peas or bell peppers for added crunch and color—totally delicious and a great way to sneak in more veggies.
Spice Level: If you prefer it mild, just skip the garlic chili crisp and reduce the red pepper flakes; for heat lovers, pile those on!
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free for a safe swap.
Protein Swap: Feeling like beef or tofu? Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you’ve got another comforting stir-fry.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Always start by combining your sauce ingredients—chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and if you’re using it, garlic chili crisp—in a medium bowl. I like to give the mixture a quick zap in the microwave (about 30 seconds) to help the honey dissolve and blend everything smoothly. Having this ready means you can add it right at the magical moment.

Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over your chicken tenders, then toss them in cornstarch until each piece is nicely coated. I’ve found this step is crucial—not skipping it ensures you get a lovely golden crust that seals in the juiciness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Don’t crowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if necessary. It only takes about 1-2 minutes per side to reach that beautiful light golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter to the same skillet, and let it melt gently. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—don’t let it burn, just about 1 minute. Pour in your prepared sauce and stir it into the garlic-butter mixture.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Add the chicken back into the skillet, making sure the pieces get coated and submerged in the sauce. Turn the heat down to low and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for the sauce to thicken and reduce, becoming gloriously sticky—this step brings all the flavors together.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle the red pepper flakes and fresh parsley on top. This adds a fresh pop of color and just enough bite to balance the sweetness. Serve it warm over steamed rice and broccoli for a complete meal.

Top Tip

After making this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe multiple times, I realized a few tweaks really make a difference. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get the perfect balance in my sauce every time.

Don’t skip cornstarch coating: It creates the crisp crust that holds the sauce beautifully instead of getting soggy.
Use moderate heat: Searing too hot can burn the garlic and sauce; keeping it medium-low keeps things smooth and tasty.
Simmer slowly: A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken without drying out the chicken.
Layer seasoning: Season both the chicken before cooking and adjust the sauce if needed for better flavor balance.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a fresh green pop and bright herbaceous note. Sometimes I also toss on toasted sesame seeds for a little nutty crunch. The red pepper flakes bring that tiny kick that lifts the whole plate.

Side Dishes

Rice and steamed broccoli are my go-to sides—simple, wholesome, and perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. Occasionally, I swap broccoli for roasted asparagus or snap peas to keep things interesting and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve presented this stir-fry in individual bowls over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, garnished with finely sliced scallions and a drizzle of extra honey for that glossy finish. You can even serve it over noodles or inside lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken holds its flavor well, but the sauce can thicken—just add a splash of water or stock when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works fine if you want to save some for later, but I recommend freezing it without the garnish and side veggies. The sauce might slightly change texture when thawed, so gently reheat on the stove and add fresh parsley afterward.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. This way, I can add a small splash of water or chicken stock to revive the sauce, stirring gently until everything’s warmed through and saucy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the light soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your cornstarch is pure (most are, but it’s always good to check). This way, you keep all the flavor without gluten.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic burns quickly if cooked on high heat or for too long. I recommend sautéing it on medium-low heat just until fragrant, about one minute, then adding your sauce right away to prevent any bitterness.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can! Just slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for even cooking. Because breasts can dry out more easily, watch your cooking time closely to keep them juicy and tender.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit according to your preference. Adding garlic chili crisp brings more spice if you like it hotter.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place in my daily cooking rotation because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, garlicky, and a hint of spice that makes you want seconds. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something quick, satisfying, and homemade—you’ll love serving it to friends or family on busy nights or even for casual weekend dinners.