Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Honey Ginger Chicken Recipe:

• One-Skillet Simplicity: The magic of this recipe lies in its one-pan approach. By cooking everything in a single skillet, you drastically cut down on prep time and, even better, minimize cleanup. Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your delicious creation and relax after a busy day – a true weeknight win!
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: This isn’t just another chicken dish. The homemade sauce strikes an exquisite balance between sweet and savory, with the warming kick of fresh ginger and pungent garlic. When served over hot, steamy rice, the flavors meld into a comforting yet vibrant meal that’s far superior to many takeout options.
• Remarkably Flexible for Dietary Needs: Already naturally dairy-free, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. For those avoiding gluten, a simple swap of regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, coconut aminos, or a certified gluten-free soy sauce makes this dish entirely gluten-free without sacrificing any of its deliciousness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to various dietary preferences.
• Faster Than Delivery: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes. This means you can have a fresh, hot, homemade dinner on the table quicker than it takes for a delivery service to arrive, and often at a fraction of the cost.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful meal. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful honey ginger chicken:

• Chicken: We recommend using about 1 ½ to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces. If you prefer the richer flavor and tender texture of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute.
• Honey: This is where the “honey” in honey ginger chicken comes from! It provides a luscious sweetness and depth of flavor that can’t be replicated. While any honey will work beautifully, using local honey can add an extra special touch and support local producers.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Grate them finely to ensure their essence permeates the sauce without leaving large, chunky pieces, resulting in a perfectly smooth consistency. Fresh is always best for maximum impact!
• Soy Sauce: A foundational ingredient for many Asian-inspired dishes, providing essential umami and saltiness. You can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, easily swap it out for tamari, coconut aminos, or a dedicated gluten-free soy sauce.

Other Essential Ingredients:

• Cornstarch: This acts as a thickener for both the chicken coating and the sauce, giving the chicken a slight crispness and the sauce that desirable glossy, sticky texture.
• Vegetable Oil (or Avocado Oil): A neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal for cooking the chicken, ensuring a good sear without burning.
• Broth: We typically use low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth also works well to form the base of the sauce, adding richness without excessive sodium.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and complements the other seasonings.

Optional Serving Enhancements:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice)
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment You’ll Need:

• A large skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully for even heat distribution and a great sear)
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Master Honey Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

To make this meal truly seamless, we highly recommend starting your rice first if you plan to serve it with this chicken. Instant Pot white rice is incredibly hands-off, while baked rice offers another easy, set-it-and-forget-it option. While your rice cooks away, you can focus on preparing this amazing ginger honey chicken!

1. Prepare the Sauce First: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the soy sauce, honey, chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
2. Coat the Chicken for Perfection: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Add your cubed chicken breast pieces to this mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating will give your chicken a delightful crisp exterior when cooked and help the sauce adhere beautifully.
3. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or avocado oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
4. Warm and Thicken the Honey Ginger Sauce: Reduce the heat to very low. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet, whisking constantly. The sauce will begin to bubble gently and visibly thicken as it heats, creating a glossy, sticky consistency. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Return and Coat the Chicken: Carefully place the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Stir well, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, aromatic honey ginger sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, drizzle a small amount of toasted sesame oil over the chicken (if desired). Garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve this irresistible honey ginger chicken immediately over a bed of hot cooked rice, alongside steamed broccoli (our Instant Pot frozen broccoli method is super easy!) or any other favorite steamed vegetables. Enjoy your homemade takeout feast!

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

This honey ginger chicken is so good, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to properly store and reheat them to enjoy again:

• Storage: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best quality, consume within 1-2 days.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: For the best texture, place the leftover chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen it up.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe container. Cook at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warm. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.

Smart Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Don’t be afraid to make a few tweaks to suit your pantry or dietary needs:

• For a Gluten-Free Version: As mentioned, simply swap out regular soy sauce for your preferred gluten-free alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos. All other core ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy and delicious GF meal.
• If You’re Out of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder makes an excellent 1:1 substitute for cornstarch. It will achieve a similar thickening effect for both the chicken coating and the sauce.
• Using Chicken Thighs Instead: If you prefer the richer flavor and slightly more forgiving nature of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in the same quantity. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), so always verify with a meat thermometer.
• Add a Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce, or a drizzle of sriracha when serving, can provide a fantastic kick.
• Vegetarian Option: This sauce also works beautifully with firm tofu or even hearty vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots for a delightful vegetarian stir-fry.

Expert Tips for the Best Honey Ginger Chicken

• Pre-Warm Your Honey: Honey can sometimes be thick and tricky to incorporate smoothly into sauces, especially when cold. A simple trick is to microwave your honey for about 15 seconds before adding it to the other sauce ingredients. This will make it more liquid and easier to whisk into a perfectly smooth sauce.
• Uniform Chicken Pieces are Key: For even cooking, aim to cut your chicken into roughly 1 ½-inch cubes. Pieces that are too large will take longer to cook through, while overly small pieces might dry out. Uniformity ensures every bite is perfectly tender.
• Vary Your Veggies: While broccoli is a classic and delicious pairing, don’t hesitate to experiment with other steamed vegetables to accompany your honey ginger chicken stir fry. Steamed green beans, vibrant edamame, crisp bok choy, or even thinly sliced napa cabbage are all excellent choices that add texture, nutrients, and visual appeal to your meal.
• Finish with Toasted Sesame Oil: For an extra layer of authentic Asian flavor and a beautiful aroma, finish your dish with a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving. A little goes a long way to enhance the overall experience.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam rather than sear and preventing that desired golden-brown crust. Give the chicken space to develop flavor!
• Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before adding the chicken back into the sauce, taste a small amount. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. Prefer more tang? A splash of rice vinegar can brighten it up. A little more salt or pepper can also make a big difference.

Storage: Leftover honey ginger chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Add the chicken to a skillet over medium heat and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until warmed throughout. Adding a little water or broth can help prevent the sauce from becoming too thick during reheating.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and cook at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Method: For a hands-off approach, add all sauce ingredients to the base of your slow cooker and stir well. Add the chicken (seasoned with just salt and pepper, do not coat in cornstarch for this method) and stir to combine. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. Serve as usual with rice and broccoli.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate only, and excludes any optional serving items like rice, broccoli, and sesame seeds. Please adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 306kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 26g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 73mg |
Sodium: 1580mg |
Potassium: 481mg |
Fiber: 0.4g |
Sugar: 18g |
Vitamin A: 37IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 16mg |
Iron: 1mg