Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of sweet and savory flavors with our Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken pieces and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all coated in a tasty honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a breeze to make. Read on to discover how to whip up this gluten free meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce (or tamari if you can’t find a gluten free option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon gluten free cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (canola, olive, etc)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Cooked rice or rice noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, gluten free soy sauce, minced garlic, and optional sesame oil. Set this sauce aside.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
2. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes or until the vegetables start to become tender.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Add the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- Pour the cornstarch and water mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice or rice noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you’re short on fresh ones or short on time. Fresh vegetables, however, provide a crisper texture and more vibrant colors.
Q2: How do I adjust the sauce’s sweetness? The sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted to your liking by varying the amount of honey used. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer it sweeter, or reduce it slightly for a more balanced flavor.
Q3: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative. Also, make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly soy sauce or tamari.
Q4: What brand of soy sauce do you use? I use VH soya sauce. If you can’t find this brand in your area, and are having a hard time finding a gluten free soy sauce, tamari sauce is a nice alternative.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Prep Ahead: To streamline the cooking process, chop your vegetables and prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance. This will make stir-frying a breeze and help you get dinner on the table even faster.
2. Even Cooking: For evenly cooked chicken, ensure the pieces are roughly the same size. This guarantees that they cook at the same rate and remain tender.
3. Customize Veggies: Don’t hesitate to customize your vegetable selection based on what’s in your fridge. Snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn make excellent additions to this stir-fry.
4. Serve with Your Choice: While rice or rice noodles are traditional pairings, feel free to serve this dish with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or any other grain or grain substitute you prefer.
5. Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Leftovers: This stir-fry reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.