Honey Garlic Chicken Mushrooms

This honey garlic chicken with mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and savory mushrooms glazed in a sweet soy and honey sauce. It's perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something satisfying but quick to prepare.

I first cooked this the night I needed something comforting after a long day. Since then, it has become a favorite that my family asks for regularly because of how versatile and easy it is.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: sliced thinly to ensure quick cooking and tender bites
• Mushrooms: sliced for absorbing and complementing the sauce's flavor; cremini or white button mushrooms work wonderfully
• Honey: adds a natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce's saltiness
• Soy sauce: provides umami and depth; choose a good quality one for best results
• Garlic: minced fresh to infuse the dish with its fragrant aroma
• Olive oil: used for initial cooking because it has a neutral flavor and good heat tolerance
• Butter: adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to season and enhance all the flavors adjust according to your taste

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side thoroughly until no longer pink inside. Remove and set aside briefly.

Sauté the Garlic:

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and softened but not browned. This gentle cooking releases its aromatic oils that build the sauce's base.

Cook the Mushrooms:

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to coat the mushrooms well. Cook for around 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates, and they turn soft and slightly golden. This process intensifies their earthiness and helps avoid watery sauce.

Create the Sauce:

Pour in the honey and soy sauce directly into the skillet. Stir well to combine all elements. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often so the sauce thickens and caramelizes, evenly coating the chicken and mushrooms. This step produces the signature glossy glaze.

Serve:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet to warm through if needed. Plate the chicken alongside or topped with the mushroom mixture. Best served hot with steamed rice or your choice of noodles, which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

My favorite part of this dish is the silky honey soy glaze. It adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the savory mushrooms and garlic. One evening when I made this for a casual dinner, my partner said it reminded them of a homemade version of a favorite takeout dish, making it a new staple we both enjoy.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. This maintains the sauce's glossy texture compared to microwaving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just adjust cooking time accordingly. If you are out of fresh mushrooms, dried porcini rehydrated in warm water can add a deep mushroom flavor. Drain well before using. Maple syrup is a good alternative to honey adding a slightly different but pleasant sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic meal Try tossing the finished dish with cooked noodles like udon or rice noodles for an easy stir-fry variant Add a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for balanced nutrition

This dish combines simplicity and depth of flavor for an easy weeknight favorite that warms the soul.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook evenly and absorb flavors well, making them ideal for this dish.

→ Can I use other mushrooms instead of the type specified?

Yes, varieties like cremini or button mushrooms work well and bring a mild earthy taste that complements the sauce.

→ How do I prevent garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic on medium heat and add it after the chicken is cooked to keep its flavor fragrant without browning too much.

→ What is the purpose of honey in this dish?

Honey adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce, creating a glossy finish and balanced taste.

→ Is soy sauce necessary, and can it be substituted?

Soy sauce provides salty umami depth. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free alternatives.