Name: Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, very finely diced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds, plus more for topping; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 stalks green onions, chopped, plus more for topping

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the balance of sweet and savory in this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. The tender chicken bathed in a glossy honey-ginger sauce makes each bite pop—trust me, it’s one you’ll find yourself making over and over again.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with a layer of small, glossy orange-brown chunks of chicken coated in thick sauce, garnished with small pieces of green onion scattered on top, with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the edge of the bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing a ginger root and a bowl of more chicken pieces. 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

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for its perfect combination of flavors, speed, and family-friendly appeal. I love how it feels gourmet without the fuss, making it a weeknight superstar.

Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor Explosion: The zing of fresh ginger and the sweetness of honey come together for a sauce that’s pure magic.
Versatile: You can easily tweak veggies or serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a different twist.
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this one thanks to its comforting flavor profile.

A white speckled bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with a thick heap of small, glossy orange-brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce. The chicken is garnished with small green onion slices and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A pair of wooden chopsticks holds a piece of the sauced chicken above the rice, with part of the chopsticks resting on the bowl's edge. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this stir-fry starts with a handful of simple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that rounds out the dish perfectly. Here are a few notes about what I find helpful when shopping and prepping:

Flat lay of finely diced fresh ginger, two whole cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl of white sesame seeds, raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch, cooking oil in a small white ceramic bowl, two fresh green onion stalks with chopped green onions sprinkled nearby, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: Using fresh ginger (very finely diced) gives this dish a fragrant, peppery warmth that dried just can’t mimic.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic builds a savory base alongside the ginger’s sharpness—don’t skip it!
Honey: Real honey adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note, which caramelizes nicely during cooking.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth without overwhelming saltiness; tamari works great if you need gluten-free.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and a hint of tomato sweetness, balancing the honey’s sugar.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A splash introduces nutty aroma and richness that lifts the whole dish.
White Sesame Seeds: Stirred into the sauce and sprinkled on top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect for stir-frying.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to create a velvety, sticky sauce cling.
Cooking Oil: Neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best to get a nice sear without burning.
Green Onions: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a mild onion bite, plus extra on top for garnish.

📝

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 spin with extra veggies or a touch of heat, but this recipe is a fantastic base you can customize however you like. The way you prep the chicken or choose your sides can totally change the vibe from casual dinner to something a bit more special.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken breast for thighs—they stay juicier and give a richer flavor, which I adore, especially in cooler months.
Add Veggies: Stir in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili paste for a kick you’ll remember.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the sauce safe for gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up The Sauce

Start by mixing together the minced garlic, finely diced fresh ginger, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and white sesame seeds in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so whisk everything until it’s well combined and aromatic. I always taste it here to see if it’s balanced—sometimes I add a tiny splash more honey or soy to suit my mood.

Step 2: Dredge The Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch to coat evenly. This step is a game-changer—it helps create that sticky, glossy coating we all crave in a good stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Brown The Chicken

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet on medium-high. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until you see a nice golden crust forming underneath. This browning adds flavor and texture, so resist the urge to stir too soon—it’s worth the patience!

Step 4: Sauce it Up & Simmer

Give the chicken a quick stir, then pour in about a quarter of the sauce mixture. Stir frequently to coat each piece and help the cornstarch thicken things up into that irresistible sticky glaze. Once the chicken looks well coated, add in the rest of the sauce, bring it to a simmer, and let it reduce slightly for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish With Green Onions & Serve

Stir in the chopped green onions just at the end for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice, with extra sesame seeds and green onions sprinkled on top for that classic finish.

Top Tip

After cooking this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe a few times, I discovered some little tricks that make a big difference—not just for flavor but texture and ease.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to that restaurant-quality glossy sauce clinging to the chicken instead of pooling in the pan.
Use Fresh Ginger: Powdered ginger just doesn’t offer the vibrant, clean flavor that fresh does here.
Let Chicken Brown Undisturbed: This gives a beautiful caramelization that adds depth and stops the chicken from steaming and getting rubbery.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Taste the sauce when combining and adjust honey or ketchup to get the perfect balance—it changes based on your honey or soy sauce brands.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Ginger Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go with a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions on top—that nutty crunch and mild fresh bite brighten every forkful. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of fresh red chili for color and a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaked in the sauce’s drippings. I also love serving it alongside stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for a crisp, green contrast. For a heartier option, garlic noodles or a simple Asian slaw are lovely complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken stir-fry in a large shallow bowl lined with bok choy leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color. Serving it in mini lettuce cups can turn it into a fun, hand-held dish, perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it tightly to keep the sauce from breaking down too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool fully, portioning into freezer-safe containers, and thawing overnight in the fridge. The texture is best if reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy and moist. Microwave works in a pinch but be sure to cover it loosely to trap steam and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, and they add a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I serve with Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe to make a complete meal?

Steamed rice is the classic choice, but you can also serve it over noodles, grain bowls like quinoa, or alongside stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to round out the meal.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using, as some ingredients may settle or thicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the chicken with plenty of oil. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to establish a sear, then flip or stir. Adding too little oil or stirring too soon can cause sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation—it’s approachable, packed with flavor, and genuinely comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and discover how quickly it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen too. Cooking this felt like sharing a little cozy warmth one bite at a time, and I think you’ll feel the same.