Spicy Chicken in Honey Garlic Sauce with Vegetable Chow Mein – Delicious Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

The combination of spicy honey garlic chicken and vegetable chow mein makes for an irresistible meal that balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a comforting yet exciting twist on traditional stir-fries. The crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with a hearty chow mein full of fresh vegetables. This recipe will quickly become a family favorite, delivering a satisfying and nutritious meal in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha – adjust for your desired spice level
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame seeds – for garnish
• Green onions – chopped, for garnish

For the Vegetable Chow Mein:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

Directions and Preparation Method

For the Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken:

1. Coat the chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This will help the chicken become crispy when cooked.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic.
4. Add the liquids: Stir in honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you like it spicier, feel free to add extra sriracha to your taste.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated with the sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for garnish. This will add a bit of crunch and freshness to the dish.

For the Vegetable Chow Mein:

1. Prepare the noodles: Begin by cooking the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, bell pepper slices, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
3. Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Flavor the vegetables: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
5. Combine the noodles: Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the vegetable chow mein with the spicy honey garlic chicken either on top or on the side. This makes for a beautiful, colorful, and balanced plate.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables for the chow mein? Absolutely! Feel free to use vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bok choy if you prefer. This dish is quite versatile and works well with any stir-fry vegetables you have on hand.

2. How can I make the chicken less spicy? If you want to reduce the heat, simply cut back on the amount of sriracha used in the recipe. You can also substitute it with a mild hot sauce or omit it entirely.

3. Can I prepare the chicken and chow mein ahead of time? While it’s best to serve the chicken and noodles fresh, you can prepare both components in advance. Store the chicken and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and chow mein noodles. Just make sure the sauces you use are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

5. Can I add more protein? Certainly! You can add shrimp, beef, or tofu to this dish if you’re looking to increase the protein content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

6. What can I serve this dish with? This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken in Honey Garlic Sauce with Vegetable Chow Mein is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory goodness. The crispy chicken, coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, complements the fresh, vibrant stir-fried vegetables and noodles. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this meal is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a dish you can enjoy on busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a must-try recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Print