Name: Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, very finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds, plus more for topping; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 stalks green onions, chopped, plus more for topping

There’s something about the perfect balance of sweet honey and zesty ginger that makes this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe a real crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, vibrant, and delivers that cozy homemade comfort with a little Asian flair.

A white speckled bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, fluffy texture, the top layer is shiny, glazed orange-brown cubed chicken pieces coated in a thick sauce, garnished with small green onion pieces. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with two wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl's edge, and a blurred background featuring a gray and white striped cloth and more food in a pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe quickly became a go-to for me when I want a delicious and impressive dinner without fussing over complicated steps. It’s got that perfect harmony of flavors with a touch of sweet honey and fresh ginger punch that always feels fresh and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, so you can have a wholesome meal on the table even on busy nights.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of honey, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce hits all the right notes sweet, savory, and a hint of tang.
Lean Protein: Using chicken breast keeps it light but still filling, perfect for a balanced dinner.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or tweak the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.

A bowl filled with white rice forms the bottom layer, topped with several chunks of shiny, dark brown glazed chicken scattered with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices. The chicken sits in the center, slightly piled up. On the right side, a pair of wooden chopsticks is holding some pieces of chicken just above the rice. The bowl is white with small black speckles, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of textures and flavor. Here’s why each one matters, so you know what to look for when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of a few small pieces of very finely diced fresh ginger, two cloves of whole uncracked garlic with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of amber toasted sesame oil, a small pile of white sesame seeds, a whole raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of neutral cooking oil, and two fresh green onion stalks with leafy tops, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh Ginger: The star of the show that adds a bright, slightly spicy warmth—make sure it's finely diced to infuse the sauce evenly.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory aroma that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering—try tamari if you need gluten-free.
Ketchup: This might surprise you, but it adds a subtle tang and thickens the sauce just right.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to give that authentic nutty finish.
White Sesame Seeds: For some crunch and a beautiful garnish on top.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and quick-cooking—the perfect protein for stir-fry.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to create a slightly crispy texture when seared and helps thicken the sauce.
Cooking Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for high-heat sautéing.
Green Onions: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a bit of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is forgiving and adapts really well—you can customize it and still end up with a winning dish every time.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color—it brightens up the plate and adds more veggies effortlessly.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or toss in sliced fresh chili when you stir-fry the chicken.
Swap chicken for tofu: For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu works great—just press it well and follow the same marinating and cooking method.
Use brown sugar instead of honey: A quick pantry swap if you’re out of honey but want that caramelized sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together That Amazing Sauce

Start by combining the finely minced garlic and ginger with honey, soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and a teaspoon of sesame seeds in a bowl. I like to whisk it well to blend everything into a tasty, sticky sauce. This step really sets the stage for flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Cornstarch

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. This step is key for getting that slightly crisp edge on your chicken when you cook it and helps the sauce cling perfectly.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the cooking oil, and let it get hot before dropping in your chicken pieces. Don’t stir immediately — let the chicken sear for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. This little patience pays off with great texture.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cook it Down

Stir the chicken and pour in about a quarter of your sauce. Cook while stirring frequently until those pieces are well coated and the sauce starts to thicken up into a lovely sticky glaze. Then add the rest of the sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions and Serve

Just before taking the pan off the heat, toss in the chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve your honey ginger chicken over steamed rice and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and green onion tops to make it look as good as it tastes.

Top Tip

Through my time making this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, I’ve found a few tricks that really make it shine and keep you from common pitfalls. Here are my go-to tips so your stir-fry turns out perfectly every time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving the chicken space lets it brown beautifully instead of steaming.
Use a hot pan: Make sure your wok or skillet is good and hot before adding chicken for that signature sear.
Precise ginger: Finely dice your fresh ginger rather than grating for balanced texture without overpowering bites.
Watch the sauce thickness: If your sauce gets too thick during simmering, splash in a little water to loosen it up without losing flavor.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

honey ginger chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my stir-fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions—it adds freshness, color, and a lovely nutty crunch that makes the dish feel complete.

Side Dishes

Serving this honey ginger chicken over fragrant jasmine or brown rice is my favorite. Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side add a nice crunch and keep the meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this stir-fry in individual bowls layered on a bed of sauteed greens or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun hand-held twist. A drizzle of extra sauce and a side of pickled ginger elevate the experience even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken holds up well, and the sauce continues to infuse the flavors together.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely too. I portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge when I’m ready. The texture holds well thanks to the cornstarch coating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through, which keeps the chicken tender and the sauce glossy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the low-sodium soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative made from soybeans. The flavor stays just as fantastic.

What side dishes go best with this stir-fry?

I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas. Fried rice or noodles work well too for a heartier meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook a bit faster.

How can I make it spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes when you cook the chicken or toss in fresh sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness well.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those comforting weeknight meals that manages to impress without stress. I love how the simple ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s both sweet and savory with a fresh ginger zing. I know you’ll enjoy making it and feeling proud of a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when it really just takes a half hour. Give it a try and let it become your next favorite easy dinner!