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Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

honey sesame chicken stir-fry - featured image

A quick, comforting, and addictive honey sesame chicken stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sticky-sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots, broccoli florets; fresh or frozen)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat or tamari for gluten-free soy sauce substitute

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Slice or chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Mince garlic and slice green onions for garnish.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Set aside. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of neutral oil. When hot, add chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to sear. Stir and cook for about 5 more minutes until mostly cooked and golden.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright and just tender but still crisp.
  5. Pour the honey soy sauce mixture over chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if needed for better sear. Add the cornstarch slurry slowly and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Use neutral oil for cooking and finish with sesame oil for aroma. Avoid overcooking vegetables to maintain crispness. Fresh garlic is preferred and add it with the sauce to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey sesame chicken, stir-fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, chicken stir-fry, honey glaze, sesame oil