Honey Soy Chicken And Vegetable Stir Fry

Name: Honey Soy Chicken And Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Global Food Inspirations

I love whipping up quick and flavorful meals, and this honey soy chicken and vegetable stir fry has become a favorite in my kitchen! The sweet-salty marinade perfectly coats the tender chicken, while vibrant veggies bring freshness to the dish. It’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. In just 30 minutes, I can have a nourishing dinner on the table that my family absolutely devours. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and satisfying!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-02-14T22:41:37.005Z

When I first tried making this honey soy chicken and vegetable stir fry, I was amazed at how effortless it was to create something so tasty in a short amount of time. I usually marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes, which allows the flavors to really sink in, but if you're in a hurry, even a quick glaze will work wonders. This stir fry is not just about great taste; it's also about vibrant colors that make the dish visually appealing.

I've experimented with different vegetables, and I found that snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots work beautifully in this recipe. Each veggie adds its own unique crunch and sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the soy sauce and honey. To make it even heartier, serve it over jasmine rice or noodles!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory balance that's irresistible
Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy nights
Versatile recipe to customize with your favorite vegetables

Unlocking the Flavor of Marinades

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The honey and soy sauce not only provide sweetness and saltiness but also tenderize the chicken, making it moist and flavorful. I recommend allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you can, try for 30 minutes or even an hour in the refrigerator. This extended time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a richer taste in each bite.

Be sure to thoroughly coat the chicken with the marinade, using your hands or a spatula to mix well. A common pitfall is skimping on this step, which can lead to bland chicken. If you're short on time, consider cutting the chicken into smaller pieces or using chicken thighs, which are more forgiving and stay juicy even with a shorter marination time.

Vegetable Selection and Preparation

The beauty of this stir fry lies in its versatility when it comes to vegetables. While I love the combination of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, feel free to customize with what you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, or even bok choy work beautifully in this dish. Just remember to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. A quick tip: If using harder vegetables like carrots, slice them thinly or parboil them for a minute to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the other ingredients.

When preparing the vegetables, aim for bite-sized pieces. This not only allows for quicker cooking but also makes for easier eating. A good visual cue is to ensure that your vegetables are vibrant and brightly colored; this tells you they’re fresh and will add great texture and flavor to the dish. Additionally, stir frying at high heat ensures they retain some crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For a complete meal, serve your stir fry over fluffy, steamed jasmine rice or toss it with noodles. I often recommend using rice noodles for a lighter option, which pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory profile of the dish. You can even add a drizzle of lime juice right before serving for a zesty kick that complements the honey's sweetness.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish reheats well in a skillet over medium heat, which helps to refresh the textures. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider storing the chicken and vegetables separately until it's time to cook. This helps maintain the integrity of the veggies, preventing them from becoming mushy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful stir fry!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to cook this amazing dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your honey soy chicken and vegetable stir fry.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced chicken and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken marinates, wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Add the Vegetables

Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry everything together for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stir fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious homemade stir fry!

Pro Tips

Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, or even baby corn can be great additions. For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes during cooking!

Making it a Meal

To turn this stir fry into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein twist, like chopped cashews or peanuts, for an added crunch. You can also incorporate some scrambled eggs or tofu for an extra layer of protein while keeping it satisfying and wholesome. This flexibility allows families to adapt the dish based on dietary preferences or needs.

Another great idea is to serve the stir fry in lettuce wraps. The crispness of the lettuce complements the warm flavors of the stir fry and offers a fun way to enjoy the meal. Just fill each leaf with the stir fry, drizzle with a little extra soy sauce or peanut sauce, and you have a refreshing finger food option!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common challenge in stir frying is getting the chicken perfectly cooked without overcooking the vegetables. To avoid this, always start with the chicken in a hot skillet, cooking it until golden brown before adding the vegetables. If you notice that the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure it's cooked through without burning.

Another issue could arise from excess moisture, resulting in a soupy stir fry. To manage this, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the ingredients. Cooking in batches can help, especially if you are making a larger quantity. This ensures each piece gets the necessary heat to sear properly, preserving that delightful texture and flavor.

Adjusting for Dietary Needs

If you're looking for a low-carb version, substituting the rice with cauliflower rice is a fantastic method that maintains the dish’s integrity without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Additionally, for those avoiding soy, coconut aminos can be a great alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar salty sweetness without the gluten.

For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade or directly into the stir fry while cooking. This adjustment introduces a delightful heat that balances well with the sweetness of the honey, creating a complex flavor profile that can easily brighten your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir fry.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade or while cooking for an added spice level.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture.

→ How long does leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.