Garlic Soy Chicken Stir-Fry with Carrots & Onions

When you need a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, a stir-fry is always the answer — and this garlic soy chicken stir-fry with carrots and onions is a weeknight hero. Tender chicken strips are cooked in a savory soy-garlic sauce, balanced with the natural sweetness of carrots and onions. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. A few pantry staples — soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey — come together to create a glossy sauce that coats every bite of chicken and vegetables. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet light, making it suitable for both busy weeknights and casual dinner gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for richness)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
• ½ cup water or chicken stock
• Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken – Toss sliced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high. Stir-fry chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry vegetables – In the same pan, add garlic, onions, and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened but still crisp.
4. Make the sauce – Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chicken stock to the pan. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken – Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine – Return chicken to the pan and toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
7. Serve – Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Flavor Notes & Variations

• Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
• Spice it up with chili flakes or sriracha.
• Swap chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry is best served with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It also pairs nicely with spring rolls or miso soup for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before slicing.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance. Cook fresh for best results.

4. How do I keep the chicken tender?
Slice thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Marinating also helps.

5. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, they save time and work just as well.

6. How do I adjust the sweetness?
Use more or less honey depending on preference, or swap with maple syrup.

7. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Garlic Soy Chicken Stir-Fry with Carrots & Onions is a quick, flavorful dish that proves weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory-sweet garlic soy glaze, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Easy to customize, quick to prepare, and always satisfying, this stir-fry deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation.

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