Mediterranean Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
This honey sesame chicken stir fry is a Mediterranean-inspired take on a classic favorite. It combines tender chunks of chicken with crisp vegetables, all tossed in a glossy sweet-salty honey sesame sauce. The sesame oil and toasted seeds add nutty depth, while a touch of vinegar balances the flavors. It’s quick, colorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15–20 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into small chunks
2 cups green beans, trimmed
2 bell peppers (yellow preferred), sliced into strips
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 scallions (optional), thinly sliced for garnish
For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
¼ cup honey
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for extra tang)
1–2 tsp Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for a saucier consistency)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup (if using), Sriracha/red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and oyster sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken chunks with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp sesame oil.
Add green beans and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine and Sauce:
Return chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
Pour the sauce over and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Tips
Cut chicken evenly: Keeping the chicken pieces uniform helps them cook quickly and evenly.
High heat stir-fry: Cook over medium-high to high heat so the chicken browns nicely without steaming.
Thicker sauce: Add a little more cornstarch slurry if you like a stickier glaze. For a lighter sauce, use less slurry and more chicken broth.
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and mix the sauce in advance to make dinner time super quick.
Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them slightly crisp for better texture and color.
Variations
Protein swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different twist.
Veggie boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or carrots to make it more colorful and nutrient-rich.
Citrus lift: Add fresh orange or lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, Mediterranean-style flavor.
Nutty crunch: Top with toasted cashews, almonds, or pine nuts instead of just sesame seeds.
Spice it up: For a bolder kick, add extra Sriracha, harissa paste, or smoked paprika.
Mediterranean base: Instead of rice or noodles, serve over couscous, farro, or bulgur wheat.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store separately from the sauce. Reheat everything together just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A: Use the cornstarch slurry. Start with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water, then add more if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It’s mild by default. You control the heat by adding Sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste.
Q: What side dishes go best with this?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, couscous, or even roasted potatoes pair beautifully with the sweet-savory sauce.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~340
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.)
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, balanced dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The tender chicken and crisp vegetables soak up the glossy honey sesame sauce, while sesame oil and seeds bring a nutty depth. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet flavorful enough to serve for guests. With its blend of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.