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 based on spice preference); Rice (for serving); Steamed broccoli (for serving)

The irresistible sizzle of garlic mingling with honey and tender chicken is something I love about this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that fills the kitchen with warmth and smells like home on a plate.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice spread evenly; the middle layer has several pieces of orange-brown glazed chicken with a shiny sauce and small red spice flakes, sprinkled with chopped green herbs; the top right section contains bright green broccoli florets that add a fresh, textured 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

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe quickly became a go-to in my weeknight dinner lineup because it feels fancy but comes together so fast. Plus, the flavors are just downright comforting and undeniably delicious.

Fast Prep and Cook: You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Balance of Flavors: Sweet honey, punchy garlic, and a hint of spice make this dish crave-worthy every time.
Versatile Ingredients: You probably already have most items in your pantry, making it easy to pull together last-minute.
Perfect Comfort Food: This recipe always feels satisfying and makes everyone around the table happy — trust me, it’s been tested!

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with several pieces of golden brown glazed chicken coated in a shiny, sticky sauce flecked with red chili flakes and chopped green herbs, giving it a colorful contrast. On the side of the bowl, there's a small bunch of bright green broccoli florets. A spoon is shown above the bowl, drizzling more of the glossy sauce over the chicken, with the sauce flowing smoothly in mid-air. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from combining simple, fresh ingredients that bring contrasting textures and flavors to the plate. Each component plays a vital role in creating that sticky, tangy honey garlic sauce that hugs every bite of chicken.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders, a small pile of coarse sea salt, a small heap of cracked black peppercorns, a small mound of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, four large garlic cloves peeled, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red chili flakes, a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh parsley scattered delicately, a small white ceramic bowl containing fiery red garlic chili crisp, a small mound of steamed bright green broccoli florets, a simple mound of fluffy white steamed rice all 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 and cook quickly, perfect for stir-fry; using tenders means juicy pieces that soak up sauce beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate natural chicken flavor—don’t skip it!
Cornstarch: Gives chicken a light crispy coating when seared and helps thicken sauce later.
Olive oil: A neutral cooking oil that browns the chicken perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness with its creamy texture.
Garlic: The star aromatic that infuses the entire dish with unforgettable flavor.
Chicken stock: Forms the savory base for the sauce, enhancing depth.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and cuts through the sweetness for balance.
Light soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering other flavors.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): Introduces a hint of spice and texture if you want a flavor twist.
Honey: The sweet glue that creates that sticky, luscious glaze we all crave.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to brighten the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Customize the heat level to your taste with this simple addition.

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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 love adding my own touches to this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your spice tolerance or swap veggies for a personal twist.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken tenders for thigh meat which makes the dish even juicier and richer.
Vegetable Upgrade: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of the garlic chili crisp for a kick.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

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

Step 1: Whisk together that sticky sauce magic

Start by mixing the chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic chili crisp (if you’re using it) in a medium bowl. If the honey feels too thick to mix in easily, nuke it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This combo sets the stage for the sticky glaze that makes this recipe shine.

Step 2: Coat and crisp the chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry and season with salt and pepper. Then toss them in cornstarch until lightly coated—this is the secret to that slight crust that locks in juices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium and cook the chicken pieces in batches so they don’t steam. Aim for a lovely golden outside—about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate and tent with foil to keep cozy.

Step 3: Garlic butter love

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly a minute until fragrant but not browned—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Step 4: Bring it all together

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with garlic butter. Then nestle your chicken into this beautiful sauce, turning it gently so every piece gets coated. Turn the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has thickened into a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. I love plating this over steamed rice with a side of bright green broccoli — it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to take this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe to the next level, especially when cooking for friends or a hungry family.

Dry Your Chicken Well: Patting the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch helps achieve that crucial golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures even browning instead of steaming.
Garlic Timing Is Key: Add garlic after the chicken cooks and sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Simmer Gently: Let the sauce reduce at low heat so it thickens without burning or becoming too sticky.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings that nice mild heat I crave. Occasionally, I’ll add toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli is my classic go-to because it’s simple and balances the sweet sauce perfectly. I’ve also served it with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every last drop of that honey garlic glaze. For some extra veggie power, sautéed snap peas or a crunchy cucumber salad pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve the stir-fry in mini lettuce wraps—adds fresh texture and fun! Another neat idea is plating it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin, topped with chopped green onions for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen when it rests overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry a couple of times with good results—just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, it reheats nicely without losing too much of that sticky honey charm.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the sauce from burning. Adding a splash of water or chicken stock can help loosen the sauce if it’s gotten too thick after chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breast, but just slice it into thin strips for quick cooking. Chicken tenders are a bit juicier and cook faster, which is why I prefer them, but breast works well too.

How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the amount to your liking or skip it entirely for a mild version. I usually add about 2 teaspoons for a nice balance between sweet and spicy.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before adding the chicken, just whisk it again to recombine any separated ingredients.

What should I serve with this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

Rice and steamed broccoli are my favorite sides to pair with this dish because they soak up the sauce well and add balance. But feel free to mix in other veggies or even noodles for a twist!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes—simple ingredients that transform into something absolutely crave-worthy. Share it with your loved ones and watch those dinner smiles grow. You’ll be so glad you made it!