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

There’s something truly comforting about tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce that just makes you smile. This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe hits that spot perfectly — it’s sticky, flavorful, and comes together faster than you’d think, making it a weekly favorite at my house.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main layers: at the bottom is a layer of white rice, soft and fluffy; on top of that are juicy light golden brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny dark red glaze with small green herb bits and chili flakes scattered on top; to one side of the plate, there is a pile of bright green steamed broccoli florets adding color and texture 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

I’ve tried plenty of honey garlic chicken recipes, but this one stands out because it’s so easy, adaptable, and genuinely restaurant-quality. No weird ingredients or complicated steps — just honest flavor that anyone can master.

Speedy and Simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Sticky, Sweet, and Savory: The sauce balances honey’s natural sweetness with garlic’s punch and a little heat for depth.
Cook Once, Eat Twice: This recipe reheats beautifully and even freezes well, making leftovers a joy.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice with red pepper flakes and optional chili crisp to suit your taste perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe lies in the harmony of simple ingredients each playing their part—from tender chicken to a luscious honey-garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Here’s why I swear by these staples and a few tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of raw chicken tenders, a small mound of coarse salt crystals, a small heap of cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl of pale unsalted butter cubes, four large garlic cloves unpeeled beside a few minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl with dark light soy sauce, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl containing bright red chili flakes, a small bunch of finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, a small white bowl with vibrant green broccoli florets, a small mound of steamed white rice grains, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: They cook quickly and remain juicy—perfect for a quick stir-fry.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the chicken well before coating.
Cornstarch: This creates a thin, crispy coating that helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken great texture.
Olive oil: Use a neutral or light olive oil to help brown the chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the sharpness of garlic.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, it’s the star flavor that gives the sauce its aroma and bite.
Chicken stock: Provides a savory, meaty base that gives the sauce depth without heaviness.
Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens up the sweetness of the honey.
Light soy sauce: Balances salty umami notes with the sweet and sour components.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): Adds extra texture and a spicy kick—you don’t have to, but I love the flavor boost!
Honey: The sweet star of the show that creates that gorgeous sticky glaze.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add a fresh, herbal contrast and pretty color.
Red pepper flakes: For that gentle heat—you decide how much, depending on your spice tolerance.

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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

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is like a blank canvas you can make your own. I often tweak the heat level or toss in extra veggies when I want to sneak in more color and crunch. You should totally do the same!

Variation: I once swapped chicken tenders for firm tofu and added snap peas and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist that was surprisingly satisfying.
Spice it up or down: If you prefer mild, just skip the chili crisp and use less red pepper flakes. Craving bold? Double up on those!
Veggie boost: Stir in broccoli florets or snow peas right after adding the sauce to get a perfect tender-crisp texture.
Swap your rice: I love serving this over brown rice or even cauliflower rice for lighter options—both soak up the sauce beautifully.

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

Step 1: Mix your magic sauce

I start by whisking together chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and optionally garlic chili crisp in a bowl. If the honey is thick, I zap the mix in the microwave for about 30 seconds so it blends smoothly. Setting this aside early means the flavors get to know each other—getting tastier even before cooking.

Step 2: Prep and brown the chicken

Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until coated lightly but evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, then add the chicken—do this in batches if necessary, so they don’t steam. Cook about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. I like to transfer the browned chicken onto a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while I work on the sauce.

Step 3: Build the sauce and finish cooking

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium-low and melt butter. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn, about 1 minute. Pour in your sauce mixture, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Return the chicken to the pan, submerging each piece in the sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.

Step 4: Finish with heat and herbs

Once your sauce is gorgeously sticky, sprinkle the chicken with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. I like the color contrast and hit of freshness this adds. Serve everything hot over steamed rice with a side of broccoli for a truly balanced meal.

Top Tip

After making this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe countless times, a few small tricks really upped my game:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures it browns nicely instead of steaming and becoming soggy.
Whisk your sauce early: Blending and heating the sauce before cooking helps the honey dissolve fully and the flavors mingle better.
Low and slow for sauce: Keep the simmer gentle so the sauce thickens perfectly without burning or becoming bitter.
Finish with fresh herbs: Adding parsley at the end brightens the rich sauce and adds a lovely pop of color.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with chopped fresh parsley—it’s simple but adds such a fresh burst that lifts all the flavors. Sometimes I throw on a few extra red pepper flakes if we want more heat or a drizzle of extra garlic chili crisp for texture and zing. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished dish can also brighten it wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli is my go-to because it’s quick, healthy, and soaks up the sauce perfectly. I also love serving this dish with jasmine or brown rice—you could try cauliflower rice for low-carb or even noodles like soba or rice noodles for a twist. A simple cucumber salad on the side adds crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this stir-fry over coconut rice and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions—everyone loved the extra aromas and crunch. Another time, I packed it in lettuce cups with shredded carrots for a lighter, hands-on meal that was a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken stays tender and the sauce thickens a bit more overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Fun fact: this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat. The sauce might thicken even more, so add a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen it up.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy and the sauce glossy when reheating, I recommend warming it gently on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken stock. Microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts into strips or bite-size pieces and watch cooking time to avoid drying out the meat. Chicken tenders just cook faster and are naturally more tender.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but start with a little less since those vinegars can be more acidic. The tang adds brightness to balance the honey’s sweetness.

Is garlic chili crisp necessary?

It’s totally optional! Garlic chili crisp adds crunch and extra spice, but if you don’t have it on hand, the red pepper flakes will give your dish enough heat. You won’t miss it.

Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?

Definitely. I recommend adding broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots. Add them after browning the chicken and before simmering the sauce so they cook through but keep some bite.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for again and again. It’s not just about how delicious it is (though—wow, it really is!), but how it brings ease and smiles to hectic days. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable and forgiving, so you’ll always end up with a dish worth sharing. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new weeknight staple too.