Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. Specifically, let’s talk about those nights when you’re craving something seriously delicious but the thought of ordering takeout (again!) just feels…blah. This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is my go-to answer. It’s got that sweet and savory thing going on that I absolutely adore, reminding me of Panda Express Orange Chicken, but it’s *so* much fresher and you know exactly what’s going into it. Plus, it comes together faster than waiting for delivery! My kids are obsessed, and honestly, I think I might love it even more than they do. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, a total weeknight win.
What is Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry?
Think of Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry as your favorite Chinese takeout dish, elevated. It’s essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated in a luscious honey sesame sauce, and stir-fried with a colorful medley of vegetables. The name pretty much says it all, right? The magic is in the sauce – a sticky, sweet, and savory blend of honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients. It clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies, making every single bite an explosion of flavor. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? There are *so* many reasons why this Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is a staple in my kitchen.
Flavor: First and foremost, the taste is incredible. The honey provides a gentle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the soy sauce and the nutty aroma of the sesame oil. There’s a hint of ginger and garlic that adds warmth and depth, creating a truly irresistible flavor profile. My husband always says it tastes better than any restaurant version he’s ever had, and I’m not gonna lie, that makes me pretty proud!
Simplicity: This is not one of those recipes that requires a culinary degree to pull off. I promise! The ingredient list is straightforward, and the cooking process is surprisingly easy. Once you’ve prepped your ingredients (which is honestly the most time-consuming part), the stir-fry comes together in just minutes. This is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table, like, yesterday.
Cost- Compared to ordering takeout, making this Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry at home is significantly cheaper. You can buy the ingredients in bulk and use them for other meals throughout the week. Plus, you can control the quality of the ingredients, choosing organic chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s a win-win!
Versatility: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by swapping out the vegetables, adding different spices, or adjusting the sweetness level. My friend Sarah is vegetarian, so I often make it with tofu instead of chicken and it’s just as delicious! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. And if you’re looking for something similar with a bit more kick, check out my spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry – another family favorite.
What I love most about this is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies, seems to enjoy it. And honestly, that’s what makes cooking so rewarding, right? Sharing a delicious meal with the people you love.
How do I make honey sesame chicken stir fry?
Quick Overview
Making this Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is easier than you might think! You’ll start by prepping your chicken and vegetables. Then, you’ll whisk together the delicious honey sesame sauce. Next, you’ll quickly stir-fry the chicken and vegetables until they’re tender-crisp. Finally, you’ll pour the sauce over the stir-fry and let it simmer until it thickens and coats everything in its glorious flavor. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Seriously, you can do this!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade: What is the recipe?
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always try to get organic, free-range chicken if it’s in the budget – it really does make a difference in taste and texture.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (this adds a wonderful nutty aroma)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Stir-Fry Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil with high smoke point)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
What is the recipe for Honey Sesame Sauce?
• 1/2 cup honey (I love using local honey if I can find it)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (again, low-sodium is my preference)
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar (this adds a nice tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat) • 1/4 teaspoon saffron (red pepper) (or 1
For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
What is the step-
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Set aside. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. I often prep this in the morning before work so it’s ready to go when I get home!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
How do you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat? Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and onion to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp. How long does it take for a Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. What is the best way to serve honey sesame sauce over stir-fry? Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat and serve immediately. What should I do to make my hair glossy?
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but I often like to serve it with a few simple sides to round things out.
For a Classic Asian Meal: Serve it with steamed white rice or brown rice. A side of egg rolls or spring rolls would also be a delicious addition. Don’t forget the chopsticks!
For a Healthier Option: Serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Add a side of steamed edamame or a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal.
For a Quick and Easy Dinner: Serve it over lo mein noodles or ramen noodles. A simple side of stir-fried vegetables would also be a great addition. This is my go-to when I’m short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
For a Potluck or Party: This stir-fry is always a hit at potlucks and parties. Serve it in a large serving dish with a side of rice or noodles. You can also make mini stir-fry bowls for individual servings. I’ve brought this to so many gatherings and it’s always the first thing to disappear!
My family also loves it with a side of peanut noodles. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and it’s a fun and flavorful meal that everyone enjoys. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this stir-fry. It’s so versatile and adaptable that you can easily customize it to your own tastes and preferences.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that help me make the perfect Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry every time. Here are my top tips:
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when stir-frying the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Trust me, this makes a huge difference.
Vegetable Stir-Frying: Prepare all of your vegetables before you start cooking. This will help the stir-fry process go smoothly and prevent any vegetables from overcooking. Add the vegetables to the skillet in order of cooking time. Start with the vegetables that take the longest to cook, such as carrots and broccoli, and then add the vegetables that cook more quickly, such as bell peppers and onions. This will ensure that all of the vegetables are cooked to the perfect tenderness.
Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to achieve your desired consistency. If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little less. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Honey Selection: Use a good-quality honey for the best flavor. I prefer to use local honey if I can find it. But honestly, any honey will work in this recipe. Just avoid using artificial honey or honey substitutes, as they won’t have the same flavor or sweetness.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you don’t like spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. If you like a lot of heat, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. My husband loves it spicy, so I usually add a little extra for him!
Sesame Seed Toasting: Toast the sesame seeds before garnishing the stir-fry for a richer, nuttier flavor. Simply place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until they are lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!
I’ve also found that adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the vegetables while they’re stir-frying really enhances their flavor. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. I’ve made this stir-fry with everything from zucchini to snow peas to bok choy, and it’s always delicious. The key is to have fun and make it your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria loves to grow on cooked chicken!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make the stir-fry soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When freezing, I like to divide the stir-fry into individual portions so that I can easily grab a quick and easy meal whenever I need it.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. I usually add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to keep the stir-fry moist.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on storing the stir-fry, I recommend adding the sesame seeds and green onions just before serving. This will prevent them from getting soggy during storage. The glaze holds up beautifully during both refrigeration and freezing, so no worries there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry recipe! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable, making it the perfect weeknight meal. I truly believe that this recipe is better than takeout, and I hope you’ll give it a try. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my General Tso’s Chicken or my Kung Pao Chicken – both are equally delicious and satisfying. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 0.5 cup Red bell pepper sliced
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry chicken in sesame oil until cooked through.
- Add broccoli and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables; stir to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.
