This easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh garlic, and a sweet-savory honey sauce. A quick, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with paprika, black pepper, thyme, and a small amount of salt.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely browned.
The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
Transfer it to a plate.
4. Cook the Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a golden-brown color.
5. Add the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some of the sauce over it.
6. Finish Cooking
Cover loosely and simmer for approximately 6–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If the sauce is reducing too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth.
7. Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken and mushrooms.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add sesame seeds if desired.
Spoon the delicious honey garlic mushroom sauce over the chicken before serving.
What to Serve With It
This chicken is especially good with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Crusty bread
Helpful Tips
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the mushrooms in a single layer when possible so they brown instead of becoming watery.
Use chicken thighs: They are naturally juicy and work wonderfully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Control the sweetness: If you prefer a less-sweet sauce, reduce the honey to ¼ cup.
Watch the salt: Soy sauce already provides plenty of salt, so season the chicken lightly.
For extra garlic flavor: Add one additional minced garlic clove during the final minute of cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a small splash of broth or water if the sauce has become too thick.
The finished dish has tender, juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich honey-garlic glaze that makes an easy weeknight dinner feel extra special.