I absolutely love how this Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe comes together—it’s like a little burst of color and flavor in every bite. What makes it so special to me is how effortlessly the tender chicken pairs with crisp vegetables, all coated in that glossy, sweet-savory honey soy sauce that just warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy takeout alternative, this recipe has got your back.
When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it cooked and how fresh everything tasted without endless prep work. You’ll find that it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Plus, the honey soy glaze is so addictive that my whole family goes crazy for this one—they always ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy and Colorful: Loaded with crisp broccoli, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet carrots.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The honey soy sauce adds just the right balance of sweet and savory.
- Family Friendly: Almost everyone I’ve served this to loves it—kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe come together beautifully to create a balanced, flavorful dish. Here’s what to look for when shopping so you get the most out of each component.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: I prefer breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender—cut them into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh ones work best here for that great crunch; steamier veggies can get too soft in stir fry.
- Bell peppers (yellow and red): Adds sweetness and color plus a mild crunch. I like using half of each for balanced flavor.
- Baby carrots: Thinly sliced so they cook just enough to stay crisp; they bring a nice sweet earthiness.
- Ginger (minced): Fresh ginger brightens the stir fry and gives it a real zing.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Two cloves are plenty for a subtle punch without overpowering.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking; I like splitting it between chicken and veggies to keep the pan slick.
- Corn starch: This thickens the sauce and gives it that perfect cling.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without too much salt.
- Low sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, low sodium keeps it balanced.
- Honey: Brings sweetness that’ll make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way—it adds that classic nutty aroma unique to Asian dishes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love the subtle heat it adds for complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to taste, but important to boost the chicken’s flavor before cooking.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it your own—there’s plenty of room to get creative.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and double the veggies for a meat-free feast that still satisfies.
- Spice it Up: I add fresh sliced chili or more red pepper flakes whenever I want to kick up the heat.
- Different Veggies: Broccoli isn’t the only option—snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn all work wonderfully here.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your broth is gluten-free to keep this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Sauce Together
Start by mixing the corn starch with cold water in a medium bowl—it’s crucial for that silky sauce texture. Then whisk in chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Set this aside while you prepare everything else; it’s the magic that brings everything together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer (do batches if your pan is crowded) and season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through. Don’t rush—it’s tempting, but good sear = great flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sliced carrots. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly but stay crisp tender—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic right near the end, cooking for just about a minute so they don’t burn but release their aroma.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the veggies and gently toss to combine. Give the prepared sauce a good whisk (the cornstarch tends to settle) and pour it over everything. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally—let it bubble for about one minute until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats every piece. That’s the cue you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
- Prep All Ingredients First: Stir fries move fast—you don’t want to scramble prepping once the heat’s on.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches gives the best sear and prevents steaming.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic Matter: Using fresh instead of powders really elevates the flavor profile.
- Let the Sauce Boil: This is essential so your sauce thickens nicely and sticks to everything.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I typically sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top—both add a fresh crunch and a little nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the honey soy sauce. Sometimes a few cilantro leaves for brightness or a wedge of lime for squeezing over just before eating adds a lovely touch too.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic served over steamed jasmine rice or with crunchy chow mein noodles for extra texture. I also love pairing it with simple garlic fried rice when I want a tastier carb side that soaks up all the extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this stir fry in individual lettuce cups—adds a fun interactive element and feels light and fresh. Alternatively, serving it family-style on a big platter garnished with colorful sliced chilies and herbs always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. The veggies do soften a bit but the flavors remain intact.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, I recommend portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes nicely for up to two months but the texture of the bell peppers softens, so I find it tastes best thawed and reheated within the first month.
Reheating
Leftovers reheat beautifully on the stovetop over medium heat—just add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. I avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the chicken a bit rubbery, but if you do, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep it juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about drying out the meat. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook them a little longer if needed until fully cooked.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
You can easily amp up the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chopped chili, or a splash of chili garlic sauce to the stir fry sauce. Start small and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the balance.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the low sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari and confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. This swaps out ingredients without altering the flavor much.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can chop all your veggies and cube the chicken ahead, and even mix the sauce ahead of time—just keep it refrigerated. When ready to cook, stir everything quickly for a fast meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s fast, vibrant, and just downright delicious. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something that looks impressive but comes together in a flash. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again—just like I do when I want a fuss-free, flavorful meal that makes everyone happy around the table.
PrintChicken Stir Fry with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Carrots in Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and healthy chicken stir fry featuring tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli, colorful bell peppers, and sweet baby carrots, all tossed in a flavorful homemade stir fry sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or chow mein noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to combine and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell pepper pieces, and sliced baby carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Add the Stir Fry Sauce: Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce once more and pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
- Simmer and Finish: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for 1 minute to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken stir fry hot over steamed rice or chow mein noodles according to your preference.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking.
- Cooking the chicken in batches prevents steaming and helps it brown nicely.
- You can substitute low sodium soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.