best chicken stir fry recipe with Black Garlic & Honey Glaze

Name: best chicken stir fry recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: 500g (1.1 lb); Low-sodium soy sauce: 6 tbsp; Cornstarch: 2 tbsp; Toasted sesame oil: 1 tsp; Broccoli florets: 1 head (300g); Carrots, thinly sliced: 2 medium (150g); Red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces: 1 medium (180g); Yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces: 1 medium (180g); Sugar snap peas: 120g; Fresh ginger, grated: 1 tbsp; Garlic, minced: 2 cloves; Black garlic paste: 2 tbsp; Honey: 1/4 cup; Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp; Vegetable broth: 1/2 cup; Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp; Cooked white rice: for serving; Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp; Green onions, sliced: 2

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I think a truly great weeknight dinner needs three things: speed, flavor, and a high likelihood that my family will actually eat it.

This best chicken stir fry recipe delivers on all fronts, transforming simple ingredients into a complex, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The secret is the black garlic and honey glaze, which delivers a rich, savory-sweet flavor that gives this dish a restaurant-quality taste. This high-protein meal is a perfect solution for busy families looking for easy dinner ideas without sacrificing quality.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Use 500g (1.1 lb) of boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces. Thighs will be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts cook very quickly. Ensure pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, which makes this one of the easier weeknight chicken stir fry recipes.
Chicken Marinade: You’ll need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of low-sodium, alcohol-free soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil. The cornstarch helps create a protective coating that tenderizes the chicken and prevents dryness. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetables: 1 head (300g) broccoli cut into small florets, 2 medium carrots (150g) peeled and thinly sliced, 1 red bell pepper (180g), 1 yellow bell pepper (180g) cut into 2.5 cm pieces, and 120g sugar snap peas, trimmed. This combination provides a colorful mix of textures; ensure all vegetables are pre-cut before cooking begins. For a time-saving shortcut, use a bag of pre-cut broccoli florets or a stir-fry vegetable mix from the supermarket.
Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated. These are essential for building the flavor base of the stir-fry; grate the ginger fresh for best results. If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh is strongly recommended for a vibrant taste.
Black Garlic & Honey Glaze: The unique flavor comes from 30g (2 tablespoons) black garlic paste, 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey, 60 ml (1/4 cup) low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch, and 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable broth. Black garlic adds a sweet, balsamic, and umami flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic; mash it into a paste first. This combination creates a thick, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully for a truly exceptional best chicken stir fry recipe.
Serving Essentials: Cooked white rice (for serving), 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds, and 2 thinly sliced green onions. The rice soaks up the extra glaze, making it a complete meal; serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds for crunch and green onions for color and freshness.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade and Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Toss thoroughly until coated. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare all the vegetables and sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients (black garlic paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and broth) until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or a 30 cm (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through; remove from the wok and set aside on a plate. This is key to developing a deep flavor base for this easy chicken stir fry recipe.
Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the hard vegetables (broccoli florets and carrots) and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still slightly crisp. Add the softer vegetables (red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and sugar snap peas) along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp, but avoid overcooking them to keep their texture. If the pan looks dry during this step, I sometimes add a tablespoon of water or broth to create steam and prevent scorching. This quick cooking time makes it one of the easiest chicken stir fry recipes for quick family dinners.
Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Whisk the black garlic glaze again before pouring it over the chicken and vegetables; stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will thicken rapidly and create a rich, glossy sheen, coating all ingredients evenly. Remove from heat immediately once thickened.
Garnish and Serve: Spoon generous portions of the hot stir-fry over individual servings of cooked white rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and thinly sliced green onions for color. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the vibrant texture of the vegetables. The unique flavor profile in this best chicken stir fry recipe is sure to please everyone.

What Makes Black Garlic So Special?

Black garlic is a secret weapon for home cooks looking for big flavor with minimal effort. It’s simply fresh garlic that has been aged and fermented for several weeks, resulting in a dark color and soft texture. This process eliminates the sharp, pungent flavor of raw garlic, replacing it with a sweet, tangy, and intensely savory taste (umami).

Unlike fresh garlic, black garlic doesn’t require chopping or mincing; simply mash the cloves into a paste with a fork or squeeze them out of the skin.
The black garlic in this recipe is combined with honey to create a glaze that is both sweet and complex, adding restaurant-quality depth to the stir fry. This unique flavor profile makes this best chicken stir fry recipe stand out from traditional honey-garlic stir-fries, making it a new favorite for easy dinner ideas.

Prep Ahead Tips for a 15-Minute Meal

Taking the time to prep ahead makes this a truly quick and convenient best chicken stir fry recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.

Vegetable Prep: Cut all vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peppers, snap peas) in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to cook, simply grab the container and begin stir-frying. For quick meals, purchasing pre-cut vegetable mixes saves even more time.
Make the Glaze in Advance: Whisk together the black garlic honey glaze ingredients up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator; be sure to give it a thorough whisk before pouring it over the stir-fry. Having the sauce ready makes the final steps almost instantaneous.
Chicken Marinade: The chicken can be marinated in advance. Prepare the marinade in a large Ziploc bag, add the chicken, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This not only cuts down on prep time on a busy night but also allows the flavors to deepen. I often portion out the marinated chicken and veggies in separate containers on Sunday, making this a truly family-friendly meal prep option for busy Tuesdays.

FAQs

Can I swap different vegetables into this recipe?

Yes, absolutely. You can substitute any hard vegetable like snow peas, green beans, or mushrooms for the broccoli and carrots. Adjust cooking times based on density; add harder vegetables first and softer vegetables last. This approach works for any variation of a great best chicken stir fry recipe.

What other proteins work with this sauce?

This black garlic and honey glaze works wonderfully with shrimp, beef (flank steak or sirloin), or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side, while beef might take slightly longer. Ensure the protein is fully cooked before returning it to the pan with the vegetables.

Where can I buy black garlic?

Black garlic is available in specialty grocery stores, high-end supermarkets (often near the produce or gourmet aisle), and online retailers. Look for whole heads or pre-peeled cloves. If you cannot find black garlic, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of pre-made black garlic paste.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, which can make the chicken tough and dry out the vegetables.

Can I make this best chicken stir fry recipe gluten-free?

Yes, easily. The key is to swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in both the marinade and the glaze. All other ingredients in this best chicken stir fry recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it simple to adapt for dietary needs.

Conclusion

This best chicken stir fry recipe proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be boring. With the unique flavor of black garlic and honey, you’ll create a meal that satisfies every craving and gets everyone around the table quickly for healthy family dinners. Try making this recipe this week, or pin it to save for your next family dinner!

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Hi, I’m Grace Miller — passionate home cook and creator of CooksCraze.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes made for real life. Join me in turning everyday meals into unforgettable moments.

Best Chicken Stir Fry Recipe