Brown Sugar Chicken Stir Fry

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 9, 2025

Featured in: Dinners

Imagine tender chicken bites with a golden crispy crust, enveloped in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. This Brown Sugar Chicken Stir Fry perfectly combines the warmth of garlic, the rich caramel notes from brown sugar, and fresh, tender vegetables for a dish that feels like a cozy takeout favorite done right at home.

What makes this stir fry special is its quick preparation and balance of textures: the crunchy chicken, soft caramelized carrots and onions, and fluffy fried rice. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that will satisfy your dinner cravings any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Golden, crispy chicken coated in flour for the ideal texture.
A luscious honey garlic sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
Homemade fried rice complements the dish perfectly, creating a complete meal.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (2 large): Cut into small bite-sized pieces, providing tender, lean protein perfect for stir frying.
Salt, pepper, and garlic salt: Used to season the chicken thoroughly for balanced flavor.
Flour (½ cup): Lightly coats each chicken piece to create a crispy golden crust when fried.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to fry chicken pieces evenly without burning, adding subtle richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps achieve a glossy finish while cooking vegetables.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Provides natural sweetness and a slight caramelized texture when cooked.
Carrots (1 to 2, chopped): Adds color, sweetness, and crunch that complement the chicken.
Cooked rice (2 cups): Base for the fried rice, ideally a day old for best texture.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and saltiness to the fried rice for depth of flavor.
Honey (⅓ cup): Creates the sticky, sweet element of the sauce that balances garlic and soy.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): Forms a savory backbone for the honey garlic sauce.
Garlic (2 to 3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with pungent, aromatic flavor.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Enhances the sauce with rich caramel sweetness.
Water (1 tablespoon): Helps blend the sauce ingredients and adjust consistency.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, optional): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish, perfect for coating chicken and veggies.

Instructions

Season and Coat the Chicken: Begin by seasoning bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic salt for a balanced savory base. Toss them evenly in flour to create a light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried, helping the sauce stick later on.
Pan-Fry Chicken Until Crispy: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the floured chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. This step locks in the juices and adds texture contrast—remove and set chicken aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and carrots to the butter and oil. Cook over medium heat until they soften and develop a slight caramelized color, which brings out their natural sweetness and enriches the overall flavor.
Combine Chicken and Veggies: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir gently to mix and prepare for the sauce, ensuring every ingredient is ready to absorb the honey garlic glaze.
Prepare and Add the Honey Garlic Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, water, and optionally cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables, then simmer gently until the sauce is thick, sticky, and glossy, evenly coating every bite.
Fry the Rice: In a separate small skillet, add cooked rice and some chopped onion for an extra savory note. Drizzle soy sauce on top and fry the rice over medium heat until lightly toasted and fragrant, creating a perfect base for your stir fry.
Serve Warm Over Fried Rice: Scoop the sticky, flavorful brown sugar chicken stir fry over the hot fried rice. This combination offers a complete meal with complementary textures and flavors that warm the soul and satisfy cravings.

You Must Know

Use day-old rice for the best fried rice texture; freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
If desired, cornstarch is optional but helps the sauce cling better and thickens it nicely.
Adjust garlic and soy sauce amounts to your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Brown Sugar Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the crispy texture of the chicken and the sauce’s glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for added freshness. A side of pickled vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw can add a delightful crunch and balance the dish’s sweetness.

Professional Tips

Pat the chicken dry before flouring to ensure crispiness during frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying chicken to maintain high heat and even browning.
For extra flavor, marinate chicken briefly in soy sauce and garlic before coating with flour.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy, but they may take slightly longer to cook than breasts.
Is there a substitute for honey in the sauce?: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternative natural sweeteners with a similar sticky consistency.
Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?: Use gluten-free flour for coating and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate gluten-free diets.
How do I prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy?: Use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight, which reduces moisture and yields better texture when fried.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?: Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets work great and add more color and nutrition.