Ingredients
- Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Provides lean protein and the base for our stir fry.
- Broccoli Florets (1 large head): Cut into small, even florets. Adds a healthy dose of vegetables and a satisfying crunch.
- Carrots (2 medium): Peeled and sliced into thin rounds or julienned. Provides sweetness, color, and vitamins.
- Bell Pepper (1 large, any color): Seeded and sliced into strips. Contributes sweetness, vibrant color, and vitamins.
- Onion (1 medium): Sliced thinly. Adds aromatic depth and flavor to the stir fry.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced. Essential for flavor and aroma, adding a pungent kick.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon): Fresh ginger, grated or minced. Provides warmth, spice, and a distinct Asian flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce (1/2 cup): Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended. Adds savory umami and saltiness, forming the base of the sauce.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a delicious glaze.
- Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of acidity and brightness to the sauce, enhancing the flavors.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Toasted sesame oil. Adds a nutty aroma and flavor, crucial for authentic stir fry taste.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy and clinging texture.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used to create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For stir frying. Neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for high-heat cooking.
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds. Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Chopped green onions. Adds freshness, color, and a mild oniony flavor as a garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables. Cut the broccoli into small florets, slice the carrots into thin rounds or julienne strips, slice the bell pepper into strips, and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic and grate or mince the fresh ginger. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go is key for efficient stir frying.
- Make the Honey Soy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce beautifully as it cooks. Set both bowls of sauce aside.
- Heat the Wok or Skillet: Heat a large wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. The key to a good stir fry is high heat, which ensures the vegetables and chicken cook quickly and retain their crispness. Add the vegetable oil to the hot wok or skillet. Wait until the oil is shimmering and hot before adding the chicken.
- Stir Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches to ensure the chicken sears properly. Stir fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion to the wok and stir fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic or ginger.
- Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, carrot slices, and bell pepper strips to the wok. Stir fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You want them to be cooked through but still retain a slight crunch.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the honey soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the wok. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The cornstarch will activate quickly in the heat, creating a beautiful, clinging sauce.
- Simmer and Finish: Let the stir fry simmer for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 35 grams