IRRESISTIBLE HONEY SESAME CHICKEN STIR FRY

Imagine tender chicken pieces, coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce, nestled amongst crisp-tender vegetables, all singing with the aromatic allure of sesame – that’s Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality dish in your very own kitchen!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Organized

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything prepped. This is crucial for stir-fries because they cook so quickly! Trust me, a little mise en place will save you from a kitchen disaster later.

• First, cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
• Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
• While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
• Chop all your veggies. Get them washed and ready to go. I like to keep them in separate bowls so I can grab them easily during cooking.

Step-by-Step: Stir-Fry Success

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Veggie Power

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a little bite to them, not be mushy!

Step 3: Sauce It Up!

1. Pour the honey sesame sauce over the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is glossy and clings to everything.

Step 4: Sesame Seeds and Serve!

1. Remove the Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry from the heat.
2. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Troubleshooting Tips: Because Life Happens

Even the best cooks have off days! Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Sauce too thick: Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
• Sauce too thin: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Chicken is dry: Don’t overcook the chicken! Make sure your pan is hot enough so it sears quickly. The marinade also helps keep it moist.
• Vegetables are mushy: Cook the vegetables over high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the vegetables instead of stir-frying them.

Variations and Twists: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is a great base, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas:

• Add more vegetables: Snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, and water chestnuts would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a dash of sriracha.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the finished dish for extra crunch.
• Protein swap: Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken. If you are looking for another similar recipe using shrimp, try Honey Garlic Shrimp.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when served with some complementary dishes. I love to serve it with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• A side of Chinese Beef And Broccoli for a balanced meal.

Other Stir-Fry Inspirations: Keep the Wok Hot!

Once you’ve mastered this Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry, you’ll be hooked on the ease and deliciousness of stir-fries! Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Bang Bang Chicken: A spicy and creamy chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables: A quick and easy weeknight meal packed with protein and nutrients.
• Sesame Chicken: Another take on the classic sesame chicken.

Storage and Reheating: Making it Last

Leftovers are your friend! Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Stir-Fry Champion!

There you have it! Your very own restaurant-quality Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry, made with love (and a little bit of wok skills) in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – the possibilities are endless! Now go forth and stir-fry!

Lady Maria

Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry features tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Cooked rice, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Serving plate

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Add the chicken to the marinade, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge).
4. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (optional) in a separate bowl.
5. Chop all the vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and onion.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
7. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
8. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
9. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
10. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
11. Pour the honey sesame sauce over the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
12. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
13. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is glossy and clings to everything.
14. Remove the Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry from the heat.
15. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
16. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering. To add more vegetables, consider snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.