If you’re seeking a quick dinner that’s as delightful as it is nutritious, the **Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry** is your answer. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken mingling with vibrant vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce—it’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 18 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful Harmony: The honey sesame sauce perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
- Colorful Veggies: Vibrant peppers and broccoli bring texture and a plethora of vitamins.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Each component of the **Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry** brings its own unique touch, ensuring every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and cooks quickly without drying out.
- Broccoli Florets: Add a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color, rich in vitamins.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and yellow for sweetness and a pop of color.
- Baby Carrots: Give a subtle sweetness and extra fiber.
- Minced Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are key to an authentically delightful stir fry.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with its distinctive, irresistible nutty flavor.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally while helping it thicken slightly.
Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own! The **Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry** is wonderfully versatile, making it a canvas for creativity or dietary adaptations.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a hearty plant-based meal.
- Spice It Up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for heat lovers.
- Low Carb: Replace the honey with a low-carb sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth, then add in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Stir until well combined. This sauce will infuse your stir fry with its sweet and savory magic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until it’s cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set the golden pieces aside to rest.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir occasionally until they begin to soften yet stay crisp, then add the minced ginger and garlic for an aromatic boost.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, bringing it to a boil for one minute to thicken the sauce. Serve hot with your choice of rice or chow mein, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
- Searing Sensation: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a beautiful sear, locking in juices.
- Veggie Crunch: Don’t overdo the veggies; they should remain bright and slightly crispy.
- Saucy Secret: Whisk the sauce right before adding to keep the cornstarch well mixed.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables beforehand to streamline cooking and maintain the right pace.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few sprigs of chopped scallions elevate the dish visually and add depth in flavor, enhancing the nutty undertones of the sesame oil.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs exceptionally well with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer a low-carb option. A side of steamed dumplings can also complement this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry in a large, shallow bowl to showcase its vibrant colors, and encourage guests to spoon it over their choice of base for personalized plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop further, making it delightful for lunch-on-the-go.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in a suitable container for up to 2 months. To retain texture, consider freezing the chicken and veggies separately from the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
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Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
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Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free Tamari or coconut aminos; ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Can I make this dish spicier?
To bring more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot chili oil during cooking.
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How can I avoid my chicken becoming too dry?
Ensure not to overcook the chicken; it should be removed from the skillet once fully cooked through, maintaining its juiciness.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to bring this vibrant and flavorful **Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry** into your home kitchen. With its quick preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes, and don’t forget to garnish generously!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This flavorful chicken stir fry recipe combines tender cubes of chicken with crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet stir fry sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, it can be served over rice or noodles for a complete dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, then whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium high. Add the chicken in batches if necessary, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced ginger and garlic, cook for an additional minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Whisk the stir fry sauce and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let boil for one minute to thicken.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes for spice preference.
- You can substitute other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to keep sodium levels lower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
