Name: Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 large cloves minced garlic; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Cooked rice; Steamed broccoli

There’s something so comforting about that perfect balance of sweet, garlicky, and just a little spicy in a stir-fry. This Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe hits all those notes and comes together quickly, which makes it my go-to when I want a homemade meal that feels satisfyingly special.

A white plate holds a layer of fluffy white rice spread evenly as the base. On top of the rice, there are several pieces of glazed, shiny orange-brown chicken covered in a thick sauce with small red chili flakes and bits of green herbs sprinkled over them. To the right side of the plate, bright green steamed broccoli florets are placed next to the rice, adding a fresh contrast with their textured surface. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. 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 Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe—it filled my kitchen with amazing aromas, and the sticky, flavorful sauce had me hooked immediately. It’s one of those recipes that tastes way more complex than it actually is to prepare. You're going to love how quickly it comes together without skimping on flavor.

Fast and Flavorful: You get a delicious, sticky sauce that clings to tender chicken, all in about 30 minutes.
Simple Ingredients: No exotic or hard-to-find components—most of these you probably have in your pantry already.
Customizable Heat: Love spice? Add more chili flakes or garlic chili crisp for that extra kick.
Perfect Weeknight Dinner: Balanced with rice and steamed broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal the whole family can enjoy.

The image shows a white plate with a base layer of soft, white rice that looks fluffy and slightly clumped. On top of the rice, there are five pieces of glazed chicken with a shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce coating each piece. The sauce has visible chili flakes and small bits of herbs, adding texture and green color highlights. A woman's hand holding a spoon is pouring more of the sticky sauce over the chicken pieces from above. In the background, on the right side of the plate, there is a small bright green broccoli floret. The whole dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe plays a key role, creating layers of flavor and a great texture. The combination of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements keeps things exciting without making the sauce overly complicated.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders, a small mound of coarse salt crystals, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a small heap of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with a chunk of unsalted butter, four large garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light amber chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl with clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark light soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish chili crisp flakes, a few sprigs of freshly chopped bright green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red pepper flakes, a small mound of fluffy white cooked rice, and a small bunch of fresh bright green steamed broccoli florets, perfectly arranged with balanced spacing and symmetry, placed 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

Chicken tenders: They cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for this stir-fry.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps create a lightly crisp exterior on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil: Provides a mild base for frying without overpowering the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic.
Garlic: The star aromatic that gives the dish its robust flavor.
Chicken stock: Balances the sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Brings just the right amount of tang to cut through the richness.
Light soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness for a savory balance.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): For an amazing spicy garlic punch if you like it hot.
Honey: Sweetness that thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
Red pepper flakes: I like to use just enough to give it a warm background heat—adjust to taste!

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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

This Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe really invites creativity. I often swap out the parsley for cilantro if I want a fresh twist or add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for some crunch and color. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I tried it with a splash of orange juice in the sauce for a citrusy zing—it was a surprising hit! Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or sweeteners like maple syrup if you’re out of honey.
Diet-Friendly Tip: Swap out honey for a sugar-free alternative and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a paleo-friendly version.

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

Step 1: Whisk the Perfect Sauce

I start by mixing chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and optional garlic chili crisp in a medium bowl. If the honey is stubborn, a quick 30 seconds in the microwave makes it easier to whisk everything smoothly together. Setting this aside lets me focus on the chicken but ensures the sauce is ready when needed.

Step 2: Prep & Sear the Chicken

Salt and pepper the chicken tenders, then coat them evenly in cornstarch. This step is crucial—it creates that lovely light crisp on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. I heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, and aim for a golden-brown surface, about 1-2 minutes per side. Once done, I transfer the pieces to a plate and tent with foil so they stay warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Using the same skillet, I lower the heat to medium-low and melt in the butter, tossing in minced garlic until fragrant—about a minute. Then, I pour in my whisked sauce, stirring well to combine with the butter and garlic. Nestling the chicken back into the pan, I let everything simmer gently on low heat for around 10 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the pieces. The goal here is to thicken the sauce and get it beautifully sticky without burning.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serve

Off heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve it up over steamed rice with a side of broccoli, and you're set for a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

Top Tip

From making this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that really elevate it and save time—let me share those with you!

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to getting that perfect slightly crispy texture on the chicken and helps the sauce cling better.
Cook Chicken in Batches: Overcrowding the pan steams the meat instead of browning it, dulling the dish's texture.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when reducing the sauce to prevent burning the honey’s sweetness.
Adjust Spice to Taste: I start with 2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes but always encourage you to add more gradually to suit your heat preference.

How to Serve Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The herb adds such a fresh brightness that balances the sticky sweetness perfectly, while the flakes give that little extra wake-up kick without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to enjoy this stir-fry is over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice, with simply steamed broccoli on the side. The broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the rice soaks up all that sticky sauce—trust me, you’ll want every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I sometimes plate this chicken on a platter garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serving it family-style encourages everyone to dig in and helps turn a simple meal into a shared event that feels a little festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I pop my sweet honey garlic chicken stir-fry into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—bonus!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with success. Just let it cool completely, then portion out into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, the sauce might separate slightly, but a gentle reheat and stir brings it back to life nicely.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming it in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken stock, stirring occasionally to loosen up the thick sauce without drying out the chicken. Microwaving works too, just watch it carefully to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders in this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into thin strips and adjust cooking time slightly to keep them juicy. Chicken tenders are just a bit quicker to cook and tend to be more tender by nature.

Is garlic chili crisp necessary in this recipe?

No, it’s completely optional. It adds a wonderful spicy garlicky crunch if you have it, but the dish is tasty without it as well, thanks to fresh garlic and red pepper flakes.

Can I make this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap chicken tenders for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Also, use oil in place of butter. The sauce works great with these alternatives and keeps the dish delicious.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce looks too thin after simmering, continue cooking it on low heat to reduce further. Alternatively, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken rapidly while simmering.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen — it’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how the sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce makes dinner feel like a celebration, even on a busy weeknight. Give it a go, and let me know what variations you love!