Honey Soy Chicken And Vegetable Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Fast Easy Meals Collection
I absolutely love making Honey Soy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry! This dish not only bursts with flavor but is also incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights. The combination of savory soy sauce and sweet honey creates a delightful glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies I have on hand. I usually serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
When I first tried making a stir fry at home, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together! The Honey Soy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry was a game changer for my weekly meals. I discovered that marinating the chicken helps it absorb more flavor, resulting in a deliciously tender bite that's packed with deliciousness.
Over time, I’ve found that using a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables not only saves prep time but also ensures I can enjoy this dish year-round. I love the crunch of bell peppers and snap peas combined with the honey soy sauce, making each bite irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and savory glaze that enhances every bite
- Quick and simple cooking process for busy weeknights
- Versatile recipe; easily adjustable with your favorite vegetables
Cooking Technique Tips
When marinating the chicken, try to allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes instead of the minimum 15. This extra time helps the flavors seep into the meat, resulting in a more robust taste. If you're short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak can still infuse some flavor, but don’t skip this critical step. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade for the best results.
Use high heat when cooking the chicken to achieve a nice sear. A medium-high heat setting is ideal for browning, which not only enhances flavor through caramelization but also helps lock in the juices. Watch closely – the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through in about 6–8 minutes, and avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain the heat.
Ingredient Roles and Substitutions
The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a fantastic balance of sweetness and umami that elevates this dish. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. For those needing a gluten-free option, tamari sauce can replace soy sauce without sacrificing flavor, ensuring that anyone can enjoy this dish.
Don’t hesitate to customize the vegetables according to what you have on hand. Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bok choy can be easily swapped in. Just remember that denser vegetables may need a slightly longer cooking time, so add them earlier in the stir-fry process.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on your preference!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stir fry.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve
Toss the chicken and vegetables together in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Soy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Honey Soy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is a fantastic meal prep option. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time during the week but also enhances the flavor as the chicken soaks up the marinade. Just make sure to keep the vegetables separate until you're ready to cook them, as they can lose their freshness if pre-cut too early.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick stir in a skillet over medium heat works best, allowing the chicken and veggies to warm through while retaining their texture. You can also freeze any unused portions for up to a month – just be sure to separate the chicken and vegetables for optimal reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this stir fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice is a classic choice that complements its sweet and savory profile perfectly. For a twist, consider using brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and texture. If you prefer noodles, opt for rice noodles or soba for a delightful variation that soaks up the glaze beautifully.
To elevate your dish further, garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of Sriracha for added heat. Adding a fresh sprinkle of lime juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a delightful tang that enhances the dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference.
→ What vegetables work well in this stir fry?
Feel free to use any vegetables you love! Carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini also make great additions.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables a day ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This stir fry keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for quick lunches throughout the week.
Honey Soy Chicken And Vegetable Stir Fry
I absolutely love making Honey Soy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry! This dish not only bursts with flavor but is also incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights. The combination of savory soy sauce and sweet honey creates a delightful glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies I have on hand. I usually serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Created by: Prudence Whitby
Recipe Type: Fast Easy Meals Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Toss the chicken and vegetables together in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 30g