Name: Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, very finely diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1/4 cup Honey; 1/3 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce; 3 Tablespoons Ketchup; 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil; 1 teaspoon White Sesame Seeds; 1 1/2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast; 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch; 3 Tablespoons Cooking Oil; 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s quick, bursting with flavor, and comforting all at once. This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly, combining tender chicken with a luscious honey-ginger sauce that tastes way more complex than the effort it takes to make it.

A white speckled bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several pieces of glossy, dark brown glazed chicken with a sticky sauce. Small green chopped onions are sprinkled on top for color contrast. To the right side of the bowl, a pair of wooden chopsticks with blue patterned tips rest against the bowl's edge. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred background including a cloth and some ginger root. 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

I can’t tell you how many times this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has saved me on busy weeknights. It manages to be both a quick fix and a crowd-pleaser, which makes it a go-to that I keep coming back to—and I’m betting once you try it, you’ll feel exactly the same.

Simple ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already, which means less stress during grocery runs.
Fast cooking time: Ready to serve in about 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when time’s tight.
Flavor-packed sauce: The honey and fresh ginger blend creates a sweet yet zesty punch that wakes up your tastebuds.
Versatile and forgiving: You can easily swap veggies, add spice, or even change the protein to suit your preferences.

This image shows a white bowl with two layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, the top layer is glossy chunks of reddish-brown glazed chicken covered in sesame seeds and small green onion pieces. A pair of brown chopsticks holds one piece of chicken above the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe lies in the balance of its ingredients—each one plays a key part in creating that signature sweet-savory-gingery flavor harmony. When shopping, look for fresh ginger to get that vibrant zing, and don’t skip the toasted sesame oil, which adds a wonderful fragrant depth.

Flat lay of finely diced fresh ginger root, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of amber toasted sesame oil, a small pile of white sesame seeds, a large raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small mound of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of light golden cooking oil, and two fresh green onion stalks with chopped green tops placed in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, all ingredients looking fresh and natural, 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

Fresh Ginger: Freshly diced is best for brightness; powdered just won’t deliver the same punch.
Garlic: Minced garlic amps up the savory flavor background without overpowering the sauce.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce beautifully.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps the saltiness in check while layering that umami goodness.
Ketchup: Adds subtle tang and body to the sauce, giving it a slight richness and color.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little drizzle for that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor.
White Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and a toasty finish, plus they’re pretty for garnishing.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect for this stir-fry style.
Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken for a slight crispy texture and thickens the sauce as it cooks.
Cooking Oil: High smoke point oils (like vegetable or canola) work best for a good sear.
Green Onions: Fresh and bright, stirred in at the end, they add a mild bite and beautiful color.

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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

What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is—once you’ve got the base down, making it your own is a breeze. Whether you want to dial up the heat with some chili flakes or sneak in extra veggies, this dish welcomes it all.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat and a slightly richer flavor—both work wonderfully.
Veggie boost: Adding colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots can make it even more vibrant and nutritious.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Spice it up: Toss in a chopped red chili or a dash of Sriracha for an extra kick if you like things fiery.

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

Step 1: Whisk up the sauce with love

Start by mixing finely minced garlic and fresh ginger with honey, soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and white sesame seeds until everything’s combined. This sauce is where all the magic happens, so really give it a good whisk to marry those flavors. I like to set it aside while prepping the chicken—it gives time for the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Coat the chicken in cornstarch for that perfect sear

Toss the chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. This step is my secret for that slightly crispy edge that makes every bite irresistible. It also helps the sauce cling to the chicken later on. Don’t skip it! If your kitchen gets messy, just shake off excess—no need to be precise.

Step 3: Sear the chicken just right

Heat your cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan’s hot, add the chicken—give it a minute to brown undisturbed before stirring. This creates that beautiful golden crust. Be patient here; stirring too soon prevents browning. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until nicely seared.

Step 4: Introduce the sauce and let it thicken

Pour roughly a quarter of the sauce over the chicken and stir it constantly, letting the sauce start to thicken and stick. Once the chicken looks glazed and a bit sticky, add the rest of the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 4–5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces slightly—velvety and luscious.

Step 5: Stir in green onions and finish strong

Finally, toss in the chopped green onions for freshness and that subtle crunch. Give it a quick stir to mix, then remove from heat. This little last-minute addition really brightens the whole dish and adds a lovely pop of color.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few key tricks that make this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe turn out perfectly every single time, so let me share them with you for your next cook.

Don’t skip the cornstarch coating: It’s what gives the chicken that slight crispiness and helps thicken the sauce—trust me, it makes a big difference!
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Powdered versions just don’t pack the same punch; fresh ingredients bring brightness and depth.
Heat your pan well: A sizzling hot pan is key for getting that golden sear before the sauce goes in.
Adjust sauce quantities to taste: Feel free to add more honey if you like it sweeter or soy sauce for savory depth. It’s flexible and forgiving!

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Ginger Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds and a scattering of fresh green onions on top. It adds a pop of color and a bit more crunch that makes the dish feel complete. Sometimes, I like to add a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty squeeze that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serving this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry with fluffy steamed jasmine rice is my favorite way to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Add some simple steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a side salad for fresh crunch and color. When I want to make it a full Asian-inspired meal, I add quick pickled cucumbers or even some miso soup on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had fun plating this for dinner gatherings by serving the stir-fry in pretty bowls lined with lettuce leaves, letting guests scoop their own portions. Another idea is to serve it over noodles instead of rice, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a more elevated presentation that feels special but stays easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftover Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry into an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches. Just be sure to cool it fully before sealing to keep everything fresh and tasty.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to save extra portions. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or sides to prevent sogginess. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I find that warming the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat works best—it helps maintain the chicken’s texture and keeps the sauce silky. Stir frequently and add a splash of water if the sauce starts to thicken too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option—they’re more forgiving and stay juicy. Just adjust your cooking time slightly until the thighs are cooked through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ketchup?

If you don’t have ketchup on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of tomato paste and a little vinegar or lemon juice to add tanginess, or even a splash of hoisin sauce for a different depth of flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Also be sure to check labels on other ingredients like ketchup to ensure they don't contain gluten.

Can I add vegetables to this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots can enhance the dish’s nutrition, color, and texture. Just toss them in before adding the sauce so they stay crisp-tender.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s that perfect blend of fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how satisfying a homemade stir-fry can be, especially when the sauce is as delicious as this one. It’s a recipe I happily share with friends because I know they’ll enjoy it just as much as I do.