There’s something about the combination of sweet honey and zesty ginger that just brightens up the whole kitchen—and your plate. This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is a little magic in a wok, delivering juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

A white bowl with a speckled pattern holds a dish with two layers. The bottom layer is plain white rice with a fluffy texture. On top, chunks of shiny, orange-brown glazed chicken pieces are placed, some showing darker seared spots. Small green onion slices are scattered over the chicken, adding a fresh green contrast. Next to the bowl, a pair of wooden chopsticks with blue and white patterned tips rest on the rim. The background and surface have a clean, white marbled texture with some ginger and a striped cloth blurred in the far background. 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 Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something quick, tasty, and downright satisfying without juggling a dozen ingredients. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory with a fresh kick from ginger that feels both comforting and exciting.

Simple yet flavorful: You only need a handful of pantry staples, but they come together in a sauce that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Fast to make: From chopping to plate in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you just don’t want to fuss.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap veggies, noodles, or rice and still enjoy that signature honey-ginger zing.
Kid-friendly too: The sweet sauce hits just the right note for picky eaters without losing any grown-up appeal.

A white speckled bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped by a generous layer of small, bite-sized pieces of glossy, dark reddish-brown glazed chicken, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green chopped scallions. A pair of light brown wooden chopsticks is holding some pieces of the glazed chicken over the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has a job—and trust me, you’ll want to use the freshest ginger you can find. The flavors blend to create that irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and warm spice.

Flat lay of a small mound of finely diced fresh ginger, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep amber toasted sesame oil, a small heap of white sesame seeds, raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with natural pinkish tones, a small white ceramic bowl of pale white cornstarch, three stalks of fresh green onions with vibrant green tops and white bulbs arranged neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl with clear cooking oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Fresh Ginger: Adds vibrant warmth and a little kick—don’t skimp here, as it’s the star of the dish's signature zing.
Garlic: Deepens the savory flavor and complements the ginger perfectly.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and creates that sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering; sub with tamari if you need gluten-free.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle tanginess and richness to round out the sauce, a trick that really surprised me the first time I tried it.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty aroma and depth—you only need a little, but it makes a big impact.
White Sesame Seeds: Mixed into the sauce and sprinkled on top for crunch and eye appeal.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Tender and lean, it absorbs the sauce beautifully when coated with cornstarch.
Cornstarch: Helps the chicken develop that perfect, slightly crispy coating that locks in juices.
Cooking Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for a good sear.
Green Onions: Added last for a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the final dish.

📝

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 love tweaking this dish depending on what I have on hand—or who I'm cooking for. Sometimes I throw in bell peppers or snap peas for crunch, or swap chicken breasts for thighs when I’m craving something juicier.

Variation: When I add broccoli florets or thinly sliced carrots, it turns into a colorful, veggie-packed feast that feels extra nutritious without extra effort.
Gluten-Free: Just swap soy sauce for tamari and you’re set for a gluten-free meal that tastes just as amazing.
Heat it up: If you like a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce. It’s my secret weapon when I want a little more kick.
Vegetarian swap: Try firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and get that same sticky, flavorful coating—just cook a bit more gently to avoid breaking it up.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Magical Sauce

First things first—whisk together the finely minced garlic, freshly diced ginger, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse, so take a moment to mix it well and set it aside. Trust me, this step builds the foundation for all that sticky, delicious goodness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken for Perfection

Take your bite-sized chicken breast pieces and toss them with cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This simple trick helps create a lovely sear and keeps the chicken juicy while letting the sauce cling like a dream.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Just Right

Heat your cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay your chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook without stirring for about 3 to 5 minutes until you see that golden-brown crust forming on the bottom. It’s tempting to stir immediately, but letting that crust develop is what makes this dish taste extra special.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Once one side is browned, give the chicken a good stir. Pour in roughly 3 tablespoons of the sauce (no need for exact measuring—just eyeball about a quarter of it). Cook the chicken in the sauce, stirring frequently, until every piece looks glazed and sticky. It’s like watching the magic happen right in your pan!

Step 5: Simmer to Finish Cooking

Pour in the rest of the sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. At the end, stir in the chopped green onions for that fresh, bright bite.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your honey ginger chicken over fluffy steamed rice, sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top, and dive in. The sticky, sweet-savory flavors will have you hooked from the first bite.

Top Tip

From making this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. These tips help you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time.

Don’t skip the cornstarch coating: It’s what gives your chicken that irresistible sticky glaze and slight crispness—saving you from a soggy stir-fry.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: The store-bought minced stuff doesn’t deliver the same bright, fresh punch—trust me, I tried!
Let the chicken sit before stirring: That initial golden sear adds so much flavor. Resist the urge to stir too soon.
Be generous with the green onions: They bring a fresh pop of color and flavor that balances the sweet sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

honey ginger chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish off this stir-fry with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds and sliced green onions—not just because they look pretty but because they add that tiny crunch and fresh bite that makes everything sing. Sometimes I even toss on a little chili flakes for heat or fresh cilantro for a bright twist.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I’m a big fan of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice. For veggies, steamed broccoli or stir-fried snap peas pair beautifully and add a nice crunch. On days I want a lighter carb, I’ll serve it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this stir-fry family-style in a big colorful bowl with extra sauce on the side. I’ve even served it wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun finger-food twist that guests really enjoyed. It’s a great way to shake things up beyond the usual plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The chicken might soak up a bit more sauce as it rests, which makes it even more flavorful the next day—win!

Freezing

Freezing works fine if you want to meal prep. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or veggies to keep textures intact. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender, I reheat leftovers over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra soy sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving on high—it can dry the chicken out pretty quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more juiciness and a richer flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs take a little longer to cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

Yes! You can easily swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Press your tofu well to remove excess water before coating with cornstarch. Cook gently to keep the pieces intact, and enjoy the same delicious sticky sauce coating your protein.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari, which is a naturally gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure ketchup and other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

What can I serve with Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry?

Classic steamed jasmine or brown rice works beautifully. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great choice. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers also complement the dish perfectly, balancing the sweet and savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has been a reliable favorite in my kitchen for years—and I love sharing it because it’s just so approachable and rewarding. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself, it’s a dish that delivers bright, bold flavors without fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new dinner staple!