Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables & Honey Soy

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Everyday Culinary Delice

If you’re like me and crave a meal that’s both delicious and fast, you’re going to absolutely love this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those go-to dishes that I keep coming back to when I want something healthy, comforting, and done in under 20 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and that shiny, slightly sweet honey soy glaze? Just chef’s kiss. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through how to nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Prep & Cook: You can have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Balanced & Flavorful: The honey soy sauce adds just the right amount of sweet and savory, elevating simple ingredients.
  • Customizable Veggies: Feel free to swap or add whatever you have in the fridge—it still tastes amazing.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish; it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe plays a role, whether it’s the protein, veggies, or sauce components. You’ll find that fresh veggies bring crunch and color, while the sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully. When shopping, I look for crisp broccoli and vibrant bell peppers—they really brighten the stir fry.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick and even cooking; lean and versatile.
  • Broccoli florets: Provides crunch and a fresh pop of green—don’t skimp here!
  • Yellow and red bell peppers: These add sweetness and color contrast.
  • Baby carrots: Thinly sliced for tenderness and a hint of natural sweetness.
  • Minced ginger and garlic: Classic stir-fry aromatics that bring depth.
  • Olive oil: Divided to properly sauté chicken and then vegetables.
  • Corn starch and cold water: For thickening the stir fry sauce to a silkier consistency.
  • Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory umami without overpowering saltiness.
  • Low sodium soy sauce: For salty, savory punch balanced with the honey’s sweetness.
  • Honey: Our sweetener that pairs beautifully with soy’s salt.
  • Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that nutty, toasty flavor.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat; adjust to your taste.
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the best flavors in the chicken.

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.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood—it’s really fun to experiment!

  • Protein Swap: When I’m out of chicken, I’ve swapped in shrimp or firm tofu for a totally different but just as tasty twist.
  • Veggie Mix-up: Sometimes I throw in snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn—whatever’s fresh and crisp.
  • Spice Level: Crushed red pepper flakes can be dialed back for kids or amped up if you like heat—I’ve had both scenarios at my table!
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Honey Soy Stir Fry Sauce

Start by mixing your sauce ingredients because this lets the flavors meld while you cook everything else. In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth—this ensures your sauce will thicken nicely without those pesky lumps. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring until everything is combined. I always set this aside to save time and keep things organized.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the cubed chicken in a single layer—if your pan is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Season chicken well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Then scoop the chicken out and set it aside. This step locks in that juicy flavor you’re going to thank me for.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir occasionally, letting them cook just until tender-crisp—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps the veggies bright and slightly crunchy, which I find makes the dish way more satisfying. Add the minced ginger and garlic during the last minute of cooking for that aromatic boost.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

Add the chicken back to the skillet with the veggies, then pour the whisked stir fry sauce over everything. Gently stir to combine all those beautiful flavors. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, then let it bubble for about one minute so the sauce thickens perfectly and coats the chicken and veggies in glossy goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this quick and easy chicken stir fry straight from the wok over steamed rice, or alongside some crunchy chow mein noodles if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, this recipe is the kind of meal that everyone’ll keep asking for seconds on.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches helps it brown beautifully rather than steam.
  • Prep Veggies in Advance: Have all your vegetables chopped and ready to go before you start cooking—stir-frying moves fast!
  • Use High Heat: A hot pan is key to locking in flavor and getting that perfect sear on chicken and crispness on vegetables.
  • Taste & Adjust: Always taste your sauce before the final boil, and feel free to tweak sweetness or saltiness slightly to your liking.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and an extra nutty note, plus some freshly chopped scallions that add color and freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for brightness—it really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic over jasmine or basmati rice, but I’ve also served it with garlic fried rice or my favorite cold sesame noodles. For something lighter, steamed cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I want to impress, I like to serve this stir fry in individual lettuce cups or even over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Another time, I added a soft-boiled egg on top—totally indulgent and so delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for about 3 days. The veggies hold up well, but I’ve noticed softer veggies will get a little soggy, so I prefer to reheat gently.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen the chicken stir fry on occasion, the texture of the vegetables can change a bit after thawing, becoming softer. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before packing into freezer-safe containers to preserve the best texture possible.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and keep everything moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep it even and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this stir fry?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time slightly—thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

  2. What’s the best way to avoid soggy vegetables in stir fry?

    Cook vegetables over high heat in a hot pan, stirring frequently but not overcrowding the pan. Also, add garlic and ginger toward the end of the vegetable cooking time to avoid burning and keep them fresh.

  3. Can I make the honey soy sauce ahead of time?

    Yes, preparing the sauce in advance works great and actually lets flavors meld more. Just whisk it again before pouring over the stir fry, since the corn starch may settle.

  4. Is there a substitute for honey in the sauce?

    Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives if you want to switch things up or avoid honey. They provide a similar sweetness and consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe has been one of my kitchen staples for a reason—it’s speedy without sacrificing flavor, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whenever I need a meal that feels special but won’t keep me tied to the stove, this is my go-to. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes one of your favorites too!


Print

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Description

A quick and healthy Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots tossed in a flavorful homemade stir fry sauce with a touch of honey and toasted sesame oil. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.


Chicken and Vegetables

Stir Fry Sauce


  1. Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the low sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and set the sauce aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir occasionally, cooking just until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine everything evenly.
  5. Add Sauce and Finish Cooking: Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce again to ensure it’s well mixed, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to coat all ingredients in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally, letting it boil for one minute until the sauce thickens and glossy.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or chow mein noodles for a complete meal.


Notes

  • For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
  • Vegetables can be substituted or added to your preference, such as snap peas or mushrooms.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Ensure to cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking.
  • Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is overcrowded to allow proper searing.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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