Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
- 500 grams boneless chicken (thighs or breast)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for light coating)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
Mushrooms
- 200 grams mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake)
- Cleaned and sliced thick
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional but adds depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Spring onions or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into medium-sized bite pieces.
Pat them dry using a paper towel. This helps with browning.
In a bowl, add:
- Chicken
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika or chili powder
- Cornstarch
Mix well until the chicken is lightly coated.
Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine:
- Honey
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Ketchup (if using)
- Chili flakes
- Water or stock
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until:
- Golden brown
- Fully cooked
- Slightly crisp on the outside
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same pan, add a little more oil or butter if needed.
Add sliced mushrooms.
Cook on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until:
- Mushrooms release moisture
- Moisture evaporates
- Mushrooms turn golden and slightly caramelized
Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Lower the heat to medium.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with mushrooms.
Pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce.
Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
During this time:
- Sauce will thicken
- Chicken will absorb flavor
- Mushrooms will soak up the sauce
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Turn off the heat.
Add sesame oil if using.
Taste and adjust:
- More honey for sweetness
- More soy sauce for saltiness
- More vinegar for tang
Garnish with chopped spring onions or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Noodles or lo mein
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Storage and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat on a pan over low heat with a splash of water
- Avoid overheating to keep chicken tender
