Dinner

Garlic Soy Chicken Stir-Fry with Carrots & Onions

ByMariem September 28, 2025

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

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