Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the pungency of garlic with crispy chicken and crunchy vegetables. Here's a simple and tasty recipe to make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry:
**Ingredients:**
For the chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the stir-fry:
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Prepare the marinade:** In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. **Cook the chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. **Prepare the stir-fry mixture:** In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. **Add the honey garlic sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the wok or skillet and stir-fry for about 1 minute, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. **Add the mixed vegetables:** Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
6. **Add the cooked chicken:** Add the cooked chicken back into the wok or skillet and stir-fry until the chicken is coated with the honey garlic sauce.
7. **Season and serve:** Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional soy sauce if needed. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or use sriracha sauce.
* For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time.
* Add other aromatics like sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or sliced bell peppers to the stir-fry.
* Use different types of chili peppers or spicy sauces, such as sriracha or gochujang, for added heat.
* Serve with steamed bok choy or Chinese broccoli for a nutrient-packed side dish.
* Make it a one-pot meal by adding cooked rice or noodles to the stir-fry.
**Additional ingredients for variations:**
* Firm tofu or tempeh for vegetarian and vegan versions
* Shrimp or scallops for seafood lovers
* Sliced mushrooms or baby corn for added texture
* Diced bell peppers or bamboo shoots for added crunch
* Chopped scallions or cilantro for fresh flavor
* Soy sauce or tamari for added umami
* Sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!