– **Title**: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color or a mix)
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup snap peas
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup honey
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
– Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
7. Drizzle with sesame oil, and give it a final stir.
8. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe relies on chicken breast for lean protein. However, you can easily swap it with thighs for a juicier texture or even use tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetables: The bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli bring vibrant color and nutrients. Feel free to customize! Carrots, snap peas, or even bok choy can work well. Use whatever you have handy!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can provide a similar effect. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes. If you like more depth, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or even a bit of fish sauce.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic intensify the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use powdered versions but remember they are less potent, so use about 1/4 teaspoon each instead.
How Can I Perfectly Stir-Fry Without Burning Everything?
Stir-frying is quick, so it’s important to prep everything before you start cooking. Cut your ingredients into similar sizes for even cooking and have your sauce mixed ahead of time.
- Preheat your skillet or wok on medium-high before adding oil. This ensures a good sear for your chicken.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Add harder vegetables like broccoli first, then softer ones like zucchini to prevent overcooking.
- Stir frequently but give each ingredient time to touch the hot surface, enhancing flavor and texture.
Remember, the key is to keep everything moving while allowing each ingredient to get that beautiful caramelization!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
For Serving:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until it’s smooth and well mixed. Set this sauce aside; it will give your stir-fry a delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Now, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry these delicious veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the honey sauce over everything. Stir well to make sure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in that tasty sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and everything is nicely combined.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your flavorful stir-fry over cooked white rice. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method: keep it sealed in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari (which is gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that both options may change the taste slightly, so adjust the quantities to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals stirring in between.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender but still crisp—around the same time as the original veggies in the recipe. Enjoy customizing your stir-fry!
