Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry for Busy Nights

Is there anything better than a dinner that’s faster than takeout, healthier for your crew, and gets the whole family actually excited to eat their veggies? This Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry is that magic weeknight meal. It’s got sticky-sweet garlicky sauce clinging to tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, using just one pan. Honestly, this is the kind of easy meal that makes you feel like a superhero on even the most chaotic Tuesday night.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation for a bunch of great reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast. From chopping to serving, you’re looking at about half an hour. It’s also a fantastic way to clean out the veggie drawer—that half a bell pepper and lonely carrot have finally found their purpose. The sauce is simple, made with pantry staples, but the flavor is so, so good. It’s a healthy dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. Plus, it’s a complete meal all in one skillet, which means less cleanup. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The quick-cooking protein star.
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari): For that essential salty, umami base.
• 2 tbsp honey: Adds the sweet stickiness we all crave.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because you can never have too much garlic.
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Brings a little zing and warmth.
• 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil: For sautéing everything to perfection.
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets: The classic stir-fry veggie for crunch.
• 1 bell pepper, any color, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced: For a pop of orange and a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp cornstarch: The key to thickening that glorious sauce.
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: Makes it look pretty and adds fresh flavor.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. This is your magic sauce—set it aside for now.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a clean plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté the veggies for about 5-6 minutes, until they’re bright in color and just starting to get tender-crisp. You want a little bite left in them.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Give your reserved sauce another quick whisk (the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over everything in the pan.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. It will thicken up and become glossy and gorgeous within just a minute or two. Once everything is coated in that thick, sweet garlic sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Honey Garlic Chicken Cooking Tips

Here are a few pointers to make sure your stir fry turns out perfectly every time. Get all your ingredients chopped and your sauce whisked before you even turn on the heat—stir-frying moves fast! Don’t crowd the pan when cooking the chicken; give it space so it can brown instead of steam. If your veggies are taking a bit longer to cook, don’t be afraid to add a tablespoon or two of water or veggie broth to the pan and cover it for a minute to help them steam. For the best texture, keep everything moving in the pan. And my personal rule? Taste your sauce before adding it. Want it a little sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Love ginger? Grate a bit extra in there. Make it yours!

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of a stir fry is its flexibility. Not a chicken fan? Swap in sliced smoked turkey sausage, firm tofu cubes, or even shrimp. For the veggies, use what you have! Snow peas, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn are all fantastic additions. To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re out of honey, pure maple syrup works in a pinch. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe is a perfect canvas for your own creative dinner ideas.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This stir fry is a complete meal all on its own, but it loves good company. I always serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. It’s also delicious with noodles—try it with lo mein or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. For a simple side, a quick cucumber salad or some steamed edamame adds a nice fresh contrast. It’s one of those dependable dinner dishes that feels both special and completely effortless.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for keeping the veggies from getting mushy. Just warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. You can also use the microwave, but zap it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the cooked veggies tend to lose their satisfying crisp texture when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time? You can absolutely prep ahead! Chop all the veggies and chicken and store them separately in the fridge. Whisk the sauce together and keep it in a jar. When dinner time hits, you’re just minutes away from eating.
• What are some other quick dinner ideas for a family? Sheet pan meals, hearty soups, and simple pasta dishes are all lifesavers for busy weeknights. They’re all about maximizing flavor while minimizing fuss and cleanup.
• Is this a healthy dinner idea? It sure is! It’s packed with lean protein and vegetables, and you control the sodium and sugar in the sauce. It’s a balanced meal that will leave you feeling great.
• My family loves saucy dishes. Can I double the sauce? Please do! Doubling the sauce ingredients is a great way to ensure there’s plenty for everyone to drizzle over their rice.