Name: Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, very finely diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1/4 cup Honey; 1/3 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce; 3 Tablespoons Ketchup; 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil; 1 teaspoon White Sesame Seeds, plus more for topping; 1 1/2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast; 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch; 3 Tablespoons Cooking Oil; 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped, plus more for topping

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, sweet-spiced sizzle of a stir-fry coming together in your kitchen. This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe offers that perfect balance of honey’s natural sweetness with the zing of fresh ginger—making dinner feel both special and comforting all at once.

A white speckled bowl filled with two visible layers: at the bottom is a thick layer of fluffy white rice with separated grains, and on top, there are glossy orange-brown chunks of chicken coated in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with small green chopped scallions for color contrast; next to the bowl are light brown wooden chopsticks with dark blue and white patterned tops resting against it, and the background includes a white marbled surface with some out-of-focus ingredients and a large bowl filled with more of the orange-brown chicken in the back, all under soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry has been my go-to when I want a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You know that feeling when you can whip something full of fresh ingredients, tangy sauce, and tender chicken in under 30 minutes? That’s exactly why this recipe sits proudly in my regular rotation.

Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors: The honey adds sweetness while ginger gives it that lively, warming kick.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated sauces—most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find.
Versatile to Customize: Swap veggies, protein, or tweak the sauce to suit your taste and dietary needs.

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is soft, fluffy white rice with visible grains, and the top layer consists of shiny, dark brown glazed chicken pieces sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices. The chicken pieces are chunky and coated in a thick, glossy sauce. A pair of light brown wooden chopsticks grasp a few pieces of the chicken on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe plays a role in building flavor and texture layers that taste greater than the sum of their parts. I always emphasize fresh ginger and garlic for that aromatic punch and honey for natural sweetness, plus soy sauce for rich umami depth.

Flat lay of finely diced fresh ginger, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of white sesame seeds, raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of fine cornstarch, a small white bowl of clear cooking oil, two fresh green onions with white and green parts visible arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh Ginger: Finely diced to release its peppery warmth, it brightens the sauce with natural zing.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with savory depth—you’ll notice when it’s fresh!
Honey: This sweetener balances the sharpness of ginger and salty soy, creating harmony.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness but keeps saltiness in check; I sometimes use Tamari for gluten-free needs.
Ketchup: An unexpected hero, it provides tang and a subtle tomato base that complements the honey.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, offering that nutty fragrance that makes stir-fry truly special.
White Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and a toasty finish both in sauce and as garnish.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, coating it in cornstarch yields a silky, sticky exterior once cooked.
Cornstarch: Key for creating that luscious, clingy sauce that hugs every bite of chicken.
Cooking Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola, for perfect searing.
Green Onions: Stirred in last for freshness and color, plus extra for topping to brighten each serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s so fun about this Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love switching up the veggies or adding a little heat with chili flakes — feel free to get creative and make this dish exactly how you enjoy it.

Vegetable Swaps: I sometimes toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and color.
Heat It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha gives it a lovely kick.
Protein Alternatives: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a quick variation — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Gluten-Free Version: Use Tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check ketchup labels.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

Start by mixing the garlic, fresh ginger, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. This combination is your flavor powerhouse. I like whisking it well so the honey dissolves smoothly and everything blends into a glossy sauce. Setting this aside gives you time to prep the chicken without losing any flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Cornstarch

Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they’re evenly coated—this step helps the sauce cling to each bite and makes the texture satisfyingly sticky. I learned that skipping this results in a watery dish, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat your oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in without stirring for a few minutes—about 3 to 5 minutes—letting it brown on the bottom. This sear adds flavor and caramelization. Once golden, give it a good stir to brown the other sides.

Step 4: Add Sauce in Two Parts and Simmer

Pour in about a quarter of your sauce and stir the chicken to coat well. It’ll start to look sticky and luscious. Once evenly coated, add the rest of the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes; this reduces the sauce slightly and cooks the chicken through perfectly.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions and Serve

Once the chicken is coated with that glossy sauce and tender, stir in your chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve immediately over steamed rice, adding extra sesame seeds and green onions on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Top Tip

From repeatedly cooking this dish, I’ve learned a few key things that really help it shine — and I bet they’ll help you too. These tips transform this simple recipe into something restaurant-worthy.

Fresh Ginger Matters: Using fresh ginger instead of powder gives a brightness and depth you don’t want to miss.
Don’t Skip Cornstarch: It creates that stickiness we love and helps the sauce cling, avoiding a watery stir-fry.
Layer the Sauce: Adding the sauce in two parts lets you control the coating and cooking better, resulting in a rich glaze.
High Heat Searing: Resist stirring the chicken immediately—letting it brown properly adds flavor and texture.

How to Serve Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Ginger Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with extra green onions and a generous sprinkle of white sesame seeds—both add pops of color and crunch. Occasionally, I add a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty finish.

Side Dishes

I like serving this with fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the sweet sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I stir-fry some bok choy as a quick veggie side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish in cute individual lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food vibe. Another time, plating it atop a bed of fried rice with a side of pickled vegetables turned it into an impressive, colorful feast that guests loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so stirring gently before reheating helps it loosen back up.

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes well if needed. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container but skipping the green onions until reheating—they don’t freeze as well. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce becomes too thick. This method keeps the chicken tender and avoids drying it out, unlike the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, ensuring the thighs are cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you swap the soy sauce for Tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Also, check ketchup labels to make sure they don’t contain any gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop the chicken in advance, even storing the coated chicken in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture.

What can I serve this stir-fry with other than rice?

Great alternatives include quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even noodles. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables pair beautifully too.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it strikes a perfect balance of being quick, flavorful, and comforting without a lot of fuss. I hope you’ll find yourself reaching for it on those nights when you want something satisfying yet fresh and homemade. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight winner.