This Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry offers a delicious and healthy way to tackle your Healthy Chicken Meal Prep for the week. You’ll love how easily this flavorful dish comes together, making your meal times a breeze.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Honey: Maple syrup works as a good alternative.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free choices.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available (1/2 teaspoon powder for every clove).
- Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match with your favorite stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, whisk, cutting board, sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set this aside for later use. This is the heart of your Healthy Chicken Meal Prep flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to retain a slight crunch.
4. Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all the chicken and vegetables evenly.
5. Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients. Ensure everything is well combined and heated through. This makes your Healthy Chicken Meal Prep truly shine.
6. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite grain like brown rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like for an extra touch.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for your Healthy Chicken Meal Prep throughout the week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this stir-fry is excellent for Healthy Chicken Meal Prep and can be made up to 3-4 days in advance.
- What can you serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?
You can serve it with brown rice, quinoa, noodles, or even a side salad.
- How do you prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink inside, then remove it from the pan before adding the vegetables.
- Can you use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen stir-fry vegetables. Add them directly to the pan, increasing cooking time slightly.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- How do you make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.