Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry 15 Minutes Delight

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry takes just 15 minutes! With juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a sweet sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights. I’ll show you how to whip up this delightful dish step by step. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a novice, you can impress your family with this simple recipe. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and rinsed
- 1 large carrot, julienned for a crunchy texture
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor)
- Fresh green onions, sliced diagonally for garnish
In this recipe, I use fresh, simple ingredients. The chicken is the star. It gives the dish protein. Honey makes it sweet. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce.
The vegetables bring color and crunch. Bell pepper adds sweetness. Snap peas give a nice snap. Carrots add texture. Garlic and ginger provide aroma and warmth. For garnish, sesame seeds and green onions add a lovely finish.
This mix makes a balanced and tasty meal. You can find these ingredients in most stores. Fresh ingredients help make your stir fry shine. So, pick the best you can find!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Make sure the mixture is smooth. This sauce gives your stir fry a sweet and savory taste.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Look for a golden brown outside and cooked inside. Check with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in:
- 1 sliced bell pepper
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 large carrot, julienned
Sauté the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes. They should be bright and slightly crunchy.
Combining Ingredients
Now, add:
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Stir for about 30 seconds. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything. Stir it well to coat the chicken and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry. Gently toss to mix. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Just before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh look.
Tips & Tricks
Time-Saving Tips
- Prepping ingredients ahead of time: Chop your chicken and vegetables before you start cooking. This makes cooking fast and easy. You can store them in the fridge. Just pull them out when you need them.
- Using pre-cut vegetables: Many stores sell pre-cut veggies. This saves you time. Grab some snap peas and bell peppers that are already cut. You can focus on cooking instead of chopping.
Perfecting the Stir Fry
- Cooking chicken evenly for better texture: Spread the chicken in a single layer in the pan. This helps it cook evenly. Stir often to get all sides golden brown. It should be juicy inside.
- Achieving optimal vegetable crunch: Don’t overcook your veggies. They should be bright and slightly crispy. Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps their color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Best accompaniments for a complete meal: Serve your honey sesame chicken over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Both add a nice base. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. A drizzle of extra honey adds a sweet touch. Finish with more sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
If you want to switch up the protein, you have options! Shrimp makes a great choice. It cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian dish. Just press it to remove extra water and cut it into small cubes. Beef can also work well. Use thin slices and cook them until they are brown and tender. Each protein brings a unique taste to your honey sesame stir fry.
Vegetable Substitutions
You can change the veggies based on your taste. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch. Zucchini slices sauté well and soak up the sauce. Mushrooms bring a great umami flavor to the dish. You can even add baby corn for a fun texture. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. The key is to keep them colorful and crunchy.
Spice It Up
Do you like heat? Add chili flakes for a spicy kick! A dash of sriracha can elevate the flavor too. Just mix it in with your sauce for a nice blend. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This gives your honey sesame chicken a whole new twist!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store your honey sesame chicken stir fry, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to keep it sealed. This keeps flavors intact and prevents any odors from other foods.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to eat, reheating keeps your meal tasty. The best way to do this is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir it gently until everything is heated through. This method helps keep the chicken tender and the veggies crunchy.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze honey sesame chicken stir fry! Just make sure it cools completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It lasts for about three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal anytime!
FAQs
What can I serve with honey sesame chicken stir fry?
You have many options to serve with honey sesame chicken stir fry. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice works great.
- Noodles: Try egg noodles or rice noodles for a twist.
- Salad: A light salad can balance the dish well.
These sides add texture and flavor to your meal. You can also mix and match based on your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Meal Prep: Chop all your veggies and chicken in advance. Store them in the fridge.
- Cooking: Cook the chicken and veggies, then let them cool. Store in airtight containers.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
This way, you save time and still enjoy a fresh meal.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken is cooked properly?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure chicken is safe to eat. Here’s why:
- Temperature: Chicken needs to reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
- Precision: Thermometers give you an exact reading. No guesswork!
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. This helps avoid undercooking or overcooking. Perfectly cooked chicken will be juicy and tender!
In this article, you learned how to make a tasty honey sesame chicken stir fry. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for success. You can easily swap proteins and veggies too. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. This recipe is fun and quick, perfect for any meal. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this dish with friends. You’ll impress them with your skills!



![- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 red Thai chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust based on your spice preference) For this dish, I prefer chicken breast. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. Fresh Thai basil gives this meal its unique flavor. Garlic adds a nice aroma, and Thai chili peppers bring heat. You can control the spice by adding more or less chili. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or substitute with mushroom sauce for vegetarian) - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce for vegetarian) - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance flavors) - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying) These sauces are key to great taste. Soy sauce offers saltiness, while oyster and fish sauces add depth. Sugar balances the salty flavors, making everything taste better. - 1 bell pepper, sliced (your choice of color for visual appeal) - 1 small onion, sliced into thin wedges - Optional: other vegetables for added nutrition I like using bell pepper and onion for color and crunch. You can add other veggies like carrots or snap peas. They bring more nutrition and flavor, making the dish more vibrant. For the full recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To start, you need to combine the chicken with the sauces. In a medium bowl, add the sliced chicken breast, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix these ingredients well so the chicken gets all the flavor. Let it marinate for 15 minutes. This short time helps the chicken absorb the tasty sauces. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer before adding anything. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chili peppers. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. Stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has a nice brown color. After that, toss in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for another 3 to 4 minutes. This will make the vegetables tender but still crisp. Once the chicken and veggies are done, take the skillet off the heat. Gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. They will wilt quickly from the heat and add a lovely aroma. Serve the dish hot, over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. This rice complements the stir-fry well. Enjoy your Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh Thai basil gives a sweet and fragrant flavor to the dish. Always choose bright green basil leaves. They should smell strong and sweet. The chicken should be fresh, too. This keeps your stir-fry tasty and safe to eat. For the best flavor, cook on high heat. A hot pan helps to sear the chicken. This adds a nice caramel color and enhances the taste. When you add garlic and chili, cook them quickly. This brings out their strong flavors without burning them. You can change the heat level easily. If you want it milder, remove the seeds from the chili peppers. You can also use fewer peppers or substitute with sweet bell peppers. If you like a kick but want it less spicy, try adding sugar. It balances the heat. You can also use a bit of honey for sweetness without heat. Pair your Thai basil chicken stir-fry with jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the sauce well. You can also add a side of steamed veggies for extra nutrition. For garnishes, consider adding lime wedges or crushed peanuts. They add color and crunch. Fresh cilantro or extra basil leaves also make it pop. Enjoy your meal with these simple touches! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. These options give a nice texture. Use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce. It brings depth and umami flavor. For the fish sauce, simply add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. This keeps the taste bold. To maintain flavor, marinate the tofu or tempeh just like chicken. Allow it to soak up the sauces. When cooking, make sure to press out excess moisture. This helps achieve that nice, crispy texture we all love. If you want to try something new, switch the chicken for shrimp or beef. Shrimp cooks quickly, so cut down the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes. Beef takes longer. Slice it thin and cook it for about 6-8 minutes. Remember, cooking times change based on what protein you use. Always make sure your protein is fully cooked before adding in the veggies. Want to shake things up? Add sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an exciting twist. Teriyaki gives a sweet flavor, while sriracha adds heat. You can even mix both for a sweet and spicy kick. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices too. Adding cilantro or mint can brighten the dish. Try a sprinkle of lime juice for an extra zest. These tiny changes can create a whole new taste experience. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy cooking! To keep your Thai basil chicken stir-fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. If you want to save it longer, freeze the stir-fry. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. This method helps retain flavor and texture. When you reheat your stir-fry, use a skillet for the best results. Heat it over medium warmth and stir often. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out. For rice, add a splash of water and cover it. This helps the rice steam and become fluffy again. In the fridge, your Thai basil chicken stir-fry lasts up to four days. If frozen, it can last for about three months. Always check for off smells or changes in color. If you see these, it's best to discard it for safety. Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry has roots in Thai street food. This dish reflects the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. It showcases fresh herbs, bold spices, and simple cooking techniques. Thai basil, known for its unique flavor, is key to this dish. It adds a sweet and slightly spicy note that enhances the chicken. This meal represents the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy tastes typical in Thai dishes. Each bite transports you to bustling markets in Thailand. Yes, you can prepare Thai basil chicken stir-fry in advance. Cook and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Serve it over freshly cooked jasmine rice for a quick meal. If you cannot find Thai basil, you have options. Sweet basil or holy basil works well as a substitute. Sweet basil offers a milder flavor, while holy basil is spicier. You can also mix in a bit of mint for a fresh twist. While these substitutes change the taste slightly, they still create a tasty dish. Just remember, the flavor will differ from the original recipe. The spice level of Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry can vary. It depends on the number of Thai chili peppers you use. Typically, this dish has a mild to medium heat. If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer chilis or remove the seeds. For those who love heat, add extra chilis or a dash of hot sauce. Adjusting spice levels allows everyone to enjoy this flavorful meal. Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish. You learned about the key ingredients, like fresh basil and chicken. The step-by-step instructions make cooking easy, even for beginners. We explored tips to enhance flavor and adjust spice levels to suit your taste. You can even try fun variations with different proteins or herbs. Enjoy making it your own, and savor the fresh flavors. Every bite will bring joy to your table.](https://dishtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20a2f9de-1755-4b6a-ade1-393123d10e24-768x768.webp)



