Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry recipe. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sweet yet savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to whip up this mouthwatering meal!
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt, divided
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds
Directions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season chicken with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss with corn starch until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt. Stir fry zucchini, bell pepper, and onion until lightly charred and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter with olive oil and sea salt, along with sesame oil, over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the sauce and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Serving Tips:
- Presentation Matters: For an extra touch, serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the golden-brown chicken will look enticing.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some additional sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top just before serving for added texture and freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve this stir fry over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination, or try it with noodles like rice noodles or lo mein for a delicious variation.
- Add Some Heat: If you like your stir fry with an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle with extra chili garlic sauce before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply transfer the stir fry to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying it as leftovers later on.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu cut into cubes. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before tossing with cornstarch and stir-frying. Follow the recipe as directed, replacing chicken with tofu, and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Seafood Twist: Switch up the protein by using shrimp or thinly sliced fish fillets instead of chicken. Cook seafood just until opaque and cooked through, then proceed with the recipe as usual. Seafood cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook.
- Beef Stir Fry: Replace the chicken with thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or sirloin. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor before stir-frying. Adjust cooking time to ensure beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Vegan Option: Make this dish completely plant-based by omitting the chicken and using a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also add tofu or tempeh for added protein. Use a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, such as agave nectar or maple syrup, in the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, amp up the heat by adding extra chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or freshly chopped chili peppers to the sauce mixture. You can also stir in some sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a nutty twist by sprinkling chopped peanuts or cashews over the finished stir fry just before serving. The crunch of the nuts adds texture and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory sauce.
- Asian-Inspired Veggies: Experiment with different vegetables to customize the stir fry to your liking. Try adding bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, baby corn, or bok choy for a more authentic Asian-inspired dish.
- Hoisin Variation: Replace the honey garlic sauce with a homemade hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile. Combine hoisin sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of honey for a rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken and vegetables.
These variations offer endless possibilities to customize the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy. If using chicken breast, be mindful not to overcook it as it can easily become dry.
- Is there a substitute for the Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt? Yes, you can use regular butter or any cooking oil of your choice, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, as a substitute. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that has a similar flavor profile.
- How can I make the sauce less sweet? If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup or brown sugar. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Can I add more vegetables to this stir fry? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stir fry by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust accordingly.
- Is there a substitute for chili garlic sauce? If you don’t have chili garlic sauce on hand, you can use sriracha or red pepper flakes as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Can I make this stir fry ahead of time? While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cut the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble and cook when ready to eat.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a breeze to make. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and the crisp veggies add a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
