Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
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; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference); Rice (for serving); Steamed broccoli (for serving)

There’s something about that rich, sticky honey glaze paired with the warm punch of garlic that just feels like a hug on a plate. This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again—it’s simple, comforting, and just hits all the right notes every time.

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: the bottom layer is white cooked rice, fluffy and spread evenly across the plate; on top of the rice are several pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, sticky dark brown sauce with red chili flakes and green herbs sprinkled over for color; to the side of the chicken and rice are bright green broccoli florets with a fresh, crisp texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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

I can’t get enough of how this dish balances sweet, savory, and a bit of spice so effortlessly. Making the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe at home not only beats take-out but also fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma that everyone will ask about.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is sticky and luscious without being overpowering.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—you probably already have most of them!
Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level easily, so it’s great for everyone at the table.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with a base layer of white steamed rice, topped with golden brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny, thick orange-brown sauce with visible red chili flakes and small green herbs scattered on top. A spoon above the bowl drizzles more sauce over the chicken, adding a glossy texture. A small portion of bright green broccoli is visible on the side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe plays a part in bringing balance and texture to the dish. The cornstarch gives the chicken a nice, light crust, while the garlic and honey sauce create that signature sticky glaze that's hard to resist.

Flat lay of raw chicken tenders arranged neatly, a small mound of coarse salt crystals, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, four large garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl with pale amber rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with thick golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with bright green finely chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green fresh broccoli florets, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with steamed white 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: These cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for a fast stir-fry.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil: Great for cooking at medium heat without burning.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich silkiness to the sauce and balances the acidity.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the recipe its aromatic backbone.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and a savory note to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Light soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): Boosts the flavor with a bit of crunch and heat—totally optional but I love it!
Honey: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its beautiful sweetness and glaze.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Control the heat here to your liking for a spicy kick.

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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 mixing this up depending on what I’m in the mood for or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to customize the heat or even swap in different veggies—something about that flexibility makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe feel like your own.

Variation: Sometimes I throw in sliced bell peppers or snap peas when I want extra crunch and color, and it’s always a hit.
Less heat: If you aren’t big on spice, just leave out the red pepper flakes or use less garlic chili crisp.
Make it gluten-free: Use a tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-friendly.

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

Step 1: Whisk and Prep the Honey Garlic Sauce

Start by mixing chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some garlic chili crisp. I like to whisk everything together in a bowl, then pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to help the honey dissolve smoothly. This little trick ensures your sauce won’t have that sticky clump—trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 2: Season and Crisp the Chicken

Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then give them a gentle coating of cornstarch. This step is key to getting that slightly crispy exterior. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, then carefully place your chicken pieces in the pan, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side until it’s just golden brown—about 1 to 2 minutes per side—which locks in the juices and adds texture.

Step 3: Create Your Garlic Butter Base

After you’ve taken the chicken out, turn the heat down to medium-low and add butter to that same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step creates a rich, garlicky base that deepens the flavor of everything that follows.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the skillet with the garlic butter, giving it a good stir to combine everything. Nestle the chicken back into the pan and turn the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer helps the sauce thicken to that perfect sticky consistency and fully infuses the chicken with flavor.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley and some red pepper flakes to add freshness and your preferred amount of heat. The color contrast is beautiful, and the burst of flavor at the end makes it pop.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips have saved me countless times when making this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. They’ll help you get that restaurant-quality taste and texture without the fuss.

Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s the secret to that slightly crispy texture on the chicken, even though it’s cooked in a saucy stir-fry.
Use medium heat for cooking chicken: High heat cooks fast but can burn the coating. Medium heat lets you get a beautiful golden color without overcooking.
Simmer slowly: Allowing the sauce to gently thicken while the chicken simmers ensures sticky, flavorful bites every time.
Fresh garlic over garlic powder: Using fresh minced garlic makes all the difference for that punchy, aromatic freshness in the sauce.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

honey garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my Honey Garlic Chicken with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness plus a pinch of red pepper flakes to add just the right amount of heat. Sometimes I add thinly sliced green onions for a little crunch and extra onion flavor too.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry shines when served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up that sticky sauce perfectly. On the side, I love simple steamed broccoli or even roasted green beans, which add a nice fresh contrast and healthy crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a gathering, try serving the chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it into warm lettuce cups with extra sauce drizzled on top for a hand-held delight. I’ve also layered it in rice bowls with avocado slices and pickled veggies for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it back up and keep that glossy finish.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is a great option if you want to meal prep. Just cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce delicious.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is to warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. This stops the garlic from burning and helps keep the sauce luscious. Using a microwave works too, but low power settings and added liquid help prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into strips about the size of tenders so they cook evenly and quickly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts can dry out faster.

Is garlic chili crisp necessary?

Not at all. Garlic chili crisp is optional and just adds a nice spicy crunch. If you don’t have it or prefer less spice, skip it or add more red pepper flakes instead.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

You can cut back on the honey or add a splash more rice vinegar for extra tang to balance the sweetness. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go.

Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets. Add them right after the garlic so they stay crisp and fresh, then continue with the sauce and chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s just so dependable, delicious, and satisfying. It reminds me of those cozy dinners at home with family, simple yet full of love and flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and maybe even find a way to make it your own special signature dish!