Savory Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Are you ready to whip up a quick and tasty meal? This Savory Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry is your answer! With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sweet sesame honey sauce, it’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re an expert cook or a beginner, this easy recipe will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started on creating a dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil

– 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons water

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

To make this dish, start with fresh chicken. I recommend boneless, skinless breasts for tender bites. Slice them thinly. This helps them cook fast. Next, choose colorful veggies. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Broccoli brings a nice green touch, while snap peas offer a crisp bite. Fresh garlic and ginger boost flavor. They also make your kitchen smell amazing.

Now, let’s talk sauce. Honey sweetens the stir fry. It blends well with soy sauce, adding depth. Rice vinegar gives a nice tang. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Don’t forget the sesame oil! It adds rich flavor and aroma to the dish.

Optional Garnishes

– Green onions, sliced

– Additional sesame seeds

Garnishes can elevate your meal. Sliced green onions add color and a fresh taste. More sesame seeds can enhance the crunch. Use these to make your dish look even more inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

– Coating with Cornstarch

First, take your thinly sliced chicken. Place it in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well until each piece is fully coated. This coating helps the chicken get crispy when cooked.

– Cooking Technique

Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Set the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces often. You want them to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

– Stir-Frying Process

In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Stir them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes.

– Timing for Crispness

You want the vegetables to stay tender yet crisp. Keep stirring to make sure they cook evenly. Once they look bright and colorful, they’re ready for the sauce.

Combining Flavors

– Sauce Preparation

While the vegetables cook, mix 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This will be the sauce that adds flavor to your stir fry.

– Final Assembly

Pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything. Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the top. Serve hot with fresh, sliced green onions for garnish.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Achieving Crispy Chicken

To get crispy chicken, start by coating the chicken slices in cornstarch. This helps create a nice crunch. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures every piece gets that golden brown color.

Vegetable Substitutions

You can switch up the veggies based on what you have. Try using carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes

Serve this stir fry with steamed rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce nicely. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a crunchy contrast.

Pairing with Rice or Noodles

Rice is a classic choice. It balances the sweet and savory flavors well. If you prefer noodles, use lo mein or rice noodles. They will add a fun twist. Just make sure they are cooked al dente for the best bite.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

If you want a different protein, try using tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture. Simply cut it into cubes and follow the same steps as you would for the chicken.

Another great choice is beef. Thinly slice the beef and cook it until brown. You can also use shrimp. Just make sure they turn pink and are cooked through. Both options will work perfectly in this stir fry.

Sauce Variations

For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also make a low-sugar version of the sauce. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you can enjoy the sweet flavor without the extra sugar.

These variations let you adjust the dish to your taste. Feel free to mix and match proteins and sauces to create your perfect Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

– Store leftovers in an airtight container.

– Make sure to cool the stir fry first.

– Keep in the fridge for up to three days.

– Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

For best results, when you store your Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry, ensure the dish cools to room temperature. This step prevents condensation in the container, which can make the food soggy. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help keep the flavors intact.

Freezing Instructions

– To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely.

– Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag.

– Label with the date before freezing.

When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn, keeping your dish fresh. Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry can last in the freezer for about three months.

Reheating Tips

– Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

– Reheat on the stove over medium heat.

– Add a splash of water or broth to help steam it.

Reheating in a skillet helps maintain the stir fry’s texture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the skillet method gives better results. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

How to Make Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry?

To make this dish, follow these steps:

1. Mix sliced chicken with cornstarch in a bowl.

2. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

4. Set the chicken aside.

5. Add garlic, ginger, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to the skillet.

6. Stir-fry vegetables for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.

7. Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water in a bowl.

8. Pour sauce over the veggies in the skillet.

9. Return chicken to the skillet and mix well.

10. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

11. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They will save time. However, they may change the texture. Cook them longer to ensure they heat through properly. This might slightly alter the crunchiness of your stir fry.

What can I serve with Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry?

You can serve this dish with:

– Steamed rice

– Fried rice

– Noodles

– A side salad

Pair it with a light drink like green tea or lemonade for balance. Enjoy your meal!

You learned about making a tasty Sesame Honey Chicken Stir Fry. We covered main ingredients, techniques, and optional garnishes. You now know how to cook chicken and veggies for crispness and flavor. I shared tips for great results and different protein options. Finally, I explained storage and reheating to keep it fresh. With this knowledge, you can create a quick meal any night. Enjoy your cooking and impress your family with this dis