Name: Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: South Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 3/4” (1.9 cm) cubes; 1 egg white; 1 tbsp crushed or minced garlic; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp white pepper powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper powder; 3/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/3 cup cornstarch (use 1/3 cup for pan-frying or air frying, up to 1/2 cup if desired); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp honey (pure wildflower honey recommended); 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp South Asian-style chili garlic sauce; 3 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (regular); 1 tbsp grated ginger; 1 small green chili pepper (such as Serrano or Thai, deseeded and finely chopped); 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp water; 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped into 3/4-1” squares; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped into 3/4-1” squares; 1-2 tbsp julienned ginger; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you have yet to discover the magic of the Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, prepare to fall head over heels for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite. This recipe combines tender chicken cubes with a luscious honey-ginger sauce that clings to every crispy edge, making each mouthful irresistibly satisfying. The vibrant vegetables add crunch and color, transforming a simple stir-fry into a plate of sheer comfort and delight that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate holds two main layers: on the left, a large portion of plain steamed white rice with long grains, soft and fluffy in texture, covering about half the plate; on the right, a glossy stir-fry mix of small, bite-sized golden-brown chicken pieces with a sticky reddish-brown sauce, mixed with chunks of bright green bell pepper and translucent white onion pieces. Some sesame seeds are sprinkled lightly on top. A silver spoon rests to the right side in the stir-fry portion. The plate is set on a yellow cloth with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has a special role to play, making the dish come alive with flavor, texture, and a brilliant balance of heat and sweetness. From aromatics like garlic and ginger to the right mix of coatings for crispy chicken, these essentials are all you need to create a show-stopping meal at home.

Boneless chicken breast (1 lb): Cubed for quick cooking and juicy tenderness.
Egg white (1): Helps create a light batter that crisps beautifully.
Crushed garlic (1 tbsp): Adds pungent, savory depth to the marinade.
Soy sauce (various amounts): Brings salty umami notes to both marinade and sauce.
White and black pepper powders (1/2 tsp each): Give the dish subtle heat and complexity.
Sea salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Tenderizes the chicken for maximum juiciness.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): Infuses a nutty aroma into the dish.
Cornstarch (1/3 to 1/2 cup): Creates that crispy coating crucial to this stir-fry’s texture.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Lightens the coating for a delicate crunch.
Honey, preferably wildflower (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness.
South Asian-style Chili Garlic sauce (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Introduces a vibrant, spicy kick.
Grated ginger (1 tbsp + 1-2 tbsp julienned): Key for that fresh, zesty ginger flavor that defines the dish.
Green chili pepper (1, deseeded and chopped): Adds heat without overwhelming the palate.
Rice vinegar (1 1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness with mild acidity.
Water (1 tbsp): Helps adjust sauce consistency.
Neutral oil like grapeseed (1 tbsp plus more for frying): Perfect for high-temperature frying without imparting extra flavor.
Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
Green bell pepper (1 medium, chopped): Brings freshness and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a final, nutty garnish that’s as lovely to look at as it is to taste.

How to Make Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by rinsing and drying the chicken cubes, then toss them in a marinade made from egg white, garlic, soy sauce, white and black pepper, sea salt, baking soda, and sesame oil. Letting the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes (and up to a day) allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, tenderizing the meat and building a savory foundation that makes a huge difference in the final dish.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Once marinated, add cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the chicken. This combination creates the signature crispy, scraggly texture when fried. Make sure each piece is evenly coated to ensure maximum crunch and flavor absorption when cooked.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry the Chicken

Heat enough oil in a deep pan to about half an inch. Maintaining oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F is key to cooking the chicken evenly, ensuring a golden, crispy crust without drying out the inside. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook for around 4 minutes until beautifully crispy, then drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey-Ginger Sauce

While the chicken fries, whisk together honey, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, chopped green chili, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into a pan and simmer until it thickens to a glossy, honey-like consistency. This sauce is where the magic happens—it’s sticky, spicy, sweet, and completely addictive.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In a hot wok or skillet, toss the oil with chopped onions, bell peppers, and julienned ginger. Let the vegetables sauté undisturbed for a couple of minutes, allowing edges to caramelize slightly for added flavor and texture. This step adds freshness, color, and a satisfying crunch to the stir-fry.

Step 6: Combine and Toss Everything Together

Pour the thickened sauce over the sautéed vegetables and add the crispy chicken pieces. Toss everything together thoroughly so each bite is coated in that luscious honey-ginger glaze. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish that also looks gorgeous.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled halfway with fluffy white rice on the left side and golden-brown glazed chicken pieces mixed with green bell pepper chunks and light cooked onion pieces on the right side, sprinkled with white sesame seeds, a silver fork resting on the chicken portion. The bowl sits on a yellow cloth with parts of other similar white bowls containing rice and chicken visible around it, and a white pot with more chicken and vegetables at the top right corner. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry adds a subtle crunch and a toasty aroma, making the dish feel even more special. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or extra julienned ginger for brightness and a burst of fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is a star on its own, but pairing it with fluffy white jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice creates the perfect base to soak up that oh-so-delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, steamed cauliflower rice works beautifully while keeping the meal light but just as satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or fancy weeknight meals, serve the stir-fry in large shallow bowls or on a bed of wilted spinach for an elegant touch. Alternatively, wrap the chicken and veggies in warm lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held Asian-inspired bite that’s fun and informal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays nicely tender, and the sauce keeps its flavor, making for a quick and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables for up to 2 months. This method helps maintain texture when reheating. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add the vegetables last to prevent them from becoming soggy—toss in fresh diced peppers or onions if you want to revive that crispness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and juiciness, which can make the stir-fry even more flavorful, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

How spicy is this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili garlic sauce and fresh green chili, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less chili or using a milder sauce depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This will keep the texture and flavors intact while making the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What’s the best way to get really crispy chicken pieces?

Maintaining the oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan are key. Additionally, tossing the chicken in both cornstarch and flour creates that perfect crispy crust that holds up well when mixed with sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate and coat the chicken in advance, then fry it just before serving. Prepare the sauce and veggies ahead too, then quickly toss everything together at the last minute for a fresh, hot dish.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it combines simple ingredients into something spectacularly flavorful and texturally pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a comforting dinner after a long day, this dish is sure to deliver joy on every plate. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight hero!