Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

In just 20 minutes, you can have Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry on your table. After making this dozens of times, I’ve perfected the sauce and veggie combo for a quick, healthier alternative to takeout. The crispy chicken and fresh veggies in this stir fry are irresistible. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips, including how to prevent soggy stir fry. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe (7 ingredients!) and Honey BBQ Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes.

Why This Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken coated in a sweet, savory sauce
- Fresh veggies cooked to perfection
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Healthier and cheaper than takeout
What You'll Need for Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: Green onions
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Chopped peanuts

📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs or tofu.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- Measuring spoons — Ensures accurate measurement of seasonings for perfect sauce. → See on Amazon

How to Make Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- Step 1: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add broccoli and bell peppers. Cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour the honey sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the veggies. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- Common mistake and fix: To prevent soggy stir fry, don't overcrowd the pan and cook the veggies separately from the chicken.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking to make the process quicker and easier.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy kick.
Storing & Reheating Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies up to a day ahead of time.
Freezing Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Freeze cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute the broccoli with snap peas or green beans for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: You can cook the stir fry up to a day ahead of time. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of water.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, preventing foodborne illness. → Check price on Amazon
Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add broccoli and bell peppers. Cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour the honey sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the veggies. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Best substitution: Substitute the broccoli with snap peas or green beans for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: You can cook the stir fry up to a day ahead of time. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of water.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies up to a day ahead of time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry FAQs
Yes, you can cook the stir fry up to a day ahead of time. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
To prevent soggy stir fry, don't overcrowd the pan and cook the veggies separately from the chicken.
Yes, you can freeze cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, you can cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, then finish the stir fry on the stove.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!






