Name: Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 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; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 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

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe because it combines vibrant colors, bold flavors, and quick preparation into one delightful dish. Whenever I make this stir fry, I feel like I’m treating myself to a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. The tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a luscious honey soy sauce creates such a wonderful harmony of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat that always impresses anyone at the dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

What truly excites me about this recipe is the flavor balance. The sweetness from the honey perfectly offsets the salty richness of the soy sauce, while the crushed red pepper flakes give it just enough of a gentle heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the dish. Every bite is a delicious dance between tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and that irresistibly sticky, glossy sauce.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe is how fast and straightforward it is to prepare. I often find myself short on time during busy weeknights, and this recipe fits perfectly into those moments. It only takes about 18 minutes from start to finish, yet it feels like a special meal rather than a quick fix. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the cooking steps are easy to follow, making it a total win in my book.

Serving this for family dinners or casual get-togethers instantly elevates the experience. It’s just the kind of dish that gets everyone smiling and asking for seconds. What sets this stir fry apart for me is its versatility and the ability to customize it with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, keeping it fresh and exciting every time I make it.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white round pan filled with a colorful mix of vegetables. The bottom layer has uneven pieces of orange carrots, red bell peppers, and yellow bell peppers scattered. On top, there are bright green broccoli florets spread evenly over the vegetables. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. The light highlights the fresh and slightly shiny texture of the vegetables, making them look fresh and vibrant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this dish are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor. Each one plays its part, from the tender chicken to the crunchy broccoli and colorful bell peppers, while the honey soy sauce ties everything together with a rich, appetizing glaze.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into cubes, it cooks quickly and stays juicy for the perfect meaty base.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Olive oil: Used in two parts for cooking the chicken first and then the vegetables to get that beautiful sear and gentle sauté.
Broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and a vibrant, healthy green color.
Yellow and red bell peppers: Not only do they brighten the plate, but they bring sweetness and crispness.
Baby carrots: They introduce a tender sweetness and vivid orange hue that makes the dish pop.
Minced ginger and garlic: These aromatics add depth and warmth, giving the stir fry its irresistible fragrance.
Corn starch and cold water: These combine to create the perfect thickening agent for our sauce, making it luscious and clingy.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory richness to the sauce without being overpowering.
Low sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dish that balances sweetness perfectly.
Honey: Introduces a natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly when cooking, creating that amazing sticky glaze.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a splash for nutty aroma and depth that instantly amps up the flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Then, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together thoroughly and set this delicious stir fry sauce aside.

Step 2: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken cubes in batches if needed so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Stir occasionally, cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the vegetables, stirring for about one minute until fragrant. This step is essential because it infuses the veggies with that cozy, aromatic kick.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir everything together to combine evenly.

Step 6: Give the stir fry sauce a quick whisk to ensure the corn starch is evenly distributed, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Gently stir to coat everything beautifully in the sauce.

Step 7: Increase the heat slightly and bring the skillet to a boil while stirring occasionally. Let it boil for one full minute to thicken the sauce and let all those fantastic flavors meld.

Step 8: Remove from heat and serve immediately. I like to spoon this right over steamed rice or toss it with crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture and comfort.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, which is perfect for a family meal or for some delicious leftovers. Prep time is roughly 8 minutes since most of your ingredients need just a quick chop. The cooking time is about 10 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 18 minutes. There is no resting time required, so you can enjoy this fresh, hot, and vibrant meal straight from the pan.

How to Serve This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

A blue and white patterned bowl is filled with a colorful stir-fry showing three main layers: chunks of light brown chicken pieces with a glossy texture sit on top, mixed with bright green broccoli florets and round orange carrot slices. Underneath these, there are yellow and red bell pepper pieces adding more color. The dish is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds scattered evenly on top. Two light wooden chopsticks rise from the bowl’s center. The bowl sits on rough textured brown fabric against a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of my favorite ways to serve this stir fry is over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll mix it with crispy chow mein noodles for a delightful crunch. A simple side of steamed edamame or even a fresh cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the dish nicely.

For presentation, I love sprinkling a few toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top to add color and texture. It instantly makes the dish look more vibrant and inviting, perfect if you’re serving guests or just want to make dinner feel special. Speaking of special, this goes wonderfully with a chilled glass of Riesling or a light, citrusy cocktail like a gin and tonic. For non-alcoholic pairings, I recommend a sparkling lemonade or an iced green tea, which complement the dish’s flavors quite well.

This meal shines at casual weeknight dinners, but it’s equally fantastic for weekend family gatherings or even holiday meals when you want something light, flavorful, and fuss-free. I always serve it hot and fresh because that’s when the sauce is at its glossy best, and the chicken and veggies have their perfect texture.

Variations

I love experimenting with different vegetables depending on what’s in season or what I have in the fridge. Snow peas, snap peas, or even sliced mushrooms add wonderful textures and freshness. If you want something heartier, try adding water chestnuts for that extra crunch or baby corn for sweetness.

For dietary tweaks, this recipe adapts beautifully. To make it gluten-free, I swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos which work just as well and maintain that umami punch. If you're vegan or vegetarian, replacing chicken with firm tofu or tempeh is a tasty alternative, and the honey can easily be substituted with maple syrup or agave to keep it plant-based.

Sometimes, I like to play with the flavor by adding a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess or a spoonful of hoisin sauce for deeper sweetness. Cooking methods can also shift — using a grill pan for the chicken before adding the vegetables gives a smoky flavor, elevating the entire dish in a simple way.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass containers to keep the stir fry fresh and to avoid any unwanted flavors from plastic. Before sealing, let the stir fry cool to room temperature to prevent condensation which could make the veggies soggy.

Freezing

This stir fry can be frozen, but I find the texture of the vegetables changes slightly when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the vegetables limp and unevenly heated. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce and refresh the dish’s texture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy alternative and add a richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces and cook them through thoroughly, which might take a minute or two longer than breasts.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

I recommend using crunchy vegetables that hold up well to quick cooking like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and snap peas. You can mix and match based on what you love or have on hand, but avoid watery vegetables like zucchini which can release too much moisture.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Definitely! You can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to tone down the heat. The honey soy sauce is naturally sweet and savory, so the dish will still be delicious without the spicy kick.

Can I prepare this stir fry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be whisked together a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before adding to the stir fry to recombine the ingredients.

What should I serve this dish with?

This dish is fantastic with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles like chow mein. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies. A light side salad or steamed greens also complement it well.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Honey Soy Sauce Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s fast, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe never fails to deliver a wonderful meal full of color, texture, and mouthwatering sauce. Enjoy every bite!