There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with a little zing of fresh ginger. This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe delivers exactly that balance, making it one of my kitchen favorites for a quick, satisfying dinner.

The image shows a white speckled bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice with soft texture, and the top layer is shiny, dark brown glazed chunks of cooked chicken coated in a thick sauce. The chicken pieces have a glossy look and are sprinkled with small green onion slices for color contrast. Next to the bowl are two wooden chopsticks with blue and white patterns. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a striped cloth and some fresh ginger root blurred in the 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

Honestly, I’m quite passionate about this stir-fry because it manages to be both simple and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you're prepping a weeknight dinner or looking for a meal that impresses without fuss, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Speedy Prep: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor Balance: The honey adds natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warmth of ginger and a touch of soy sauce richness.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with what’s in your kitchen — more veggies, different oils, or spice it up!
Healthy & Comforting: Packed with lean protein and a punch of flavor without feeling heavy or greasy.

A white bowl holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the base layer, topped with chunks of glossy dark reddish-brown glazed chicken pieces. The chicken is coated in a rich sauce and sprinkled lightly with white sesame seeds and small green chopped scallions, adding texture and color contrast. A pair of wooden chopsticks is picking up some chicken from the side of the bowl. The bowl rests 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 plays a crucial role to create a perfect harmony on your plate. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes each one shine, plus some tips when you’re shopping.

Flat lay of finely diced fresh ginger, two cloves of whole uncracked garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of amber toasted sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with white sesame seeds, raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch, three stalks of fresh green onions, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and proportionally 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: The star spice here, fresh ginger brings that invigorating zing you just can’t get from powder.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth and aroma that wakes up the whole stir-fry.
Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the salty and tangy elements.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides umami without overpowering, and lower sodium helps keep it healthy.
Ketchup: Surprising, but this adds tang and body to the sauce – a neat shortcut to complexity.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a bit gives a lovely, nutty aroma that feels so authentic.
White Sesame Seeds: Add crunch and a subtle flavor, plus they look pretty on top.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, easy to cook evenly.
Cornstarch: Perfect for coating the chicken to give a slight crispy edge and help the sauce stick.
Cooking Oil: Neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best to get a good sear.
Green Onions: Freshness and bright color come from these, both mixed in and as garnish.

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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 playing around with this recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand—you should definitely feel free to do the same! The base flavors are versatile enough to hold up beautifully with tweaks.

Veggie Boost: I often toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color—it keeps things lively and healthy.
Spicy Kick: Adding a splash of chili garlic sauce or some fresh sliced chilies is my go-to if I want some heat.
Gluten-Free Swap: Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes this dish gluten-free without missing a beat.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can double it and store in airtight containers, perfect for busy days.

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

Step 1: Whisk The Magic Sauce

Start by mixing together your garlic, finely diced fresh ginger, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and the white sesame seeds in a bowl. I usually taste it here to adjust the balance—sometimes a touch more honey if I want it sweeter or extra soy sauce for saltiness. Getting this right early makes all the difference.

Step 2: Coat The Chicken

Cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch until every piece is lightly coated. This helps create a silky, sticky texture once cooked and keeps the sauce clinging perfectly. Don’t skip this step—my first attempts without cornstarch were far less saucy.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Heat your cooking oil in a hot wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it sit without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes to develop that golden brown crust. Resist the urge to move it around too soon—you want a good sear for flavor and texture. Once browned on one side, give it a stir to brown the rest.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour about a quarter of your prepared sauce over the chicken and stir frequently. You’ll see the sauce thicken and become sticky—this is the magic moment that brings everything together. Then add the remaining sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it reduce slightly until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Onions

Stir in the chopped green onions right at the end for a bright, fresh flavor punch. I love how they add just the right crispness and color contrast.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your sticky chicken stir-fry over fluffy steamed rice, and sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top for that final wow factor.

Top Tip

From my cooking adventures with this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, little adjustments make big improvements. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way that really help get you a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Fresh Ginger Over Powder: I’ve found that finely dicing fresh ginger, instead of using grated or powder, gives the best texture and a clean, bright ginger flavor that doesn’t overpower.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Crowding steams your chicken instead of searing it, so cook in batches if needed to keep the heat high.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you like your sauce thicker, you can whisk extra cornstarch with water and add at the end for a glossy finish.
Use a Wok or Large Skillet: More surface area means better searing and faster cooking, helping that sauce caramelize just right.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

honey ginger chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds right at the end. They add texture, color, and that nutty aroma that completes the dish perfectly every time.

Side Dishes

For sides, steamed jasmine rice is my favorite to soak up all that delicious honey-ginger sauce. I also love serving it alongside simple steamed broccoli or stir-fried snap peas for a healthy veggie balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this dish in little lettuce cups with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of sriracha mayo—such a fun, finger-food twist perfect for casual gatherings. You might try that for a fresh change from the usual rice bowl presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let my stir-fry cool before refrigerating to keep the sauce from breaking down too much overnight.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this dish, and it does freeze well — just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight. The texture of the chicken stays surprisingly good when reheated gently.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. It revives the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and keeps the flavor authentic.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too watery?

Make sure to toss the chicken well with cornstarch before cooking. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken. Also, don’t forget to simmer the sauce until it reduces slightly, which concentrates the flavors and improves the texture.

Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?

Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots work wonderfully. Add them after the chicken sears, giving them enough time to cook until crisp tender before adding the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s suddenly one of those meals you turn to time and time again—simple, delicious, and adaptable. You’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together but tastes like you’ve spent hours on it. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, just like I did.