Honey Chicken Chinese Stir-Fry with Broccoli – Sweet, Savory & Better Than Takeout!

Honey chicken stir-fry

There’s something irresistible about Chinese-style honey chicken—tender, juicy bites of chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey sauce, perfectly balanced with crisp, fresh broccoli. This quick and easy stir-fry is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s faster than ordering takeout!

This honey chicken stir-fry with broccoli is:
✔ Sweet, Savory & Slightly Spicy – A perfect balance of flavors.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 25 minutes with minimal prep!
✔ Healthier Than Takeout – No deep-frying, just light pan-searing.
✔ Customizable – Add other veggies, swap proteins, or make it low-carb.

Forget soggy takeout chicken—this homemade version is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized!

Honey chicken stir-fry Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch – For a light, crispy coating
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds depth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For pan-searing

For the Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey – The perfect natural sweetener
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Balances sweetness
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – For nutty aroma
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – Adds warmth
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional, for heat
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – For thickening

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 cups broccoli florets – Adds freshness and crunch
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced – For sweetness and color
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – For garnish
• 2 green onions, chopped – For freshness

For Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles – The perfect base
• Lime wedges – Optional, for a citrusy kick

Substitutions & Variations:

🔥 Milder? Reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
🥦 More Veggies? Add carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
🍗 No Chicken? Try shrimp or tofu instead!

Honey chicken stir-fry Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Coat & Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Honey Sauce

5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
6. In another bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.

3️⃣ Stir-Fry the Vegetables

7. In the same wok, add 1 teaspoon oil and stir-fry broccoli and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.

4️⃣ Combine & Simmer

8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
9. Pour the honey sauce over everything and stir to coat.
10. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

11. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
12. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles, with a squeeze of fresh lime if desired.

🔥 Tips, Variations & Tricks

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Stir-Fry:
✔ Use cornstarch for crispy chicken – It creates a light, crunchy coating.
✔ High heat is key – Keeps veggies crisp and chicken golden.
✔ Don’t overcook the broccoli – Keep it vibrant and crunchy.

🌟 Creative Variations:
🍍 Pineapple Honey Chicken – Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
🥩 Beef & Broccoli Version – Swap chicken for thinly sliced steak.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Honey Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli with:
🥢 Steamed Jasmine Rice – The classic pairing.
🍜 Garlic Noodles – A flavorful twist.
🥗 Asian Slaw – A crisp, refreshing contrast.
🍹 Iced Green Tea or Lemonade – Balances the sweet-savory flavors.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 12g