
A quick, savory-sweet skillet supper: tender pan-seared chicken and caramelized mushrooms glazed in a honey-garlic soy sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes and perfect over rice or noodles.

This honey garlic chicken with mushrooms has been a weekday lifesaver in my kitchen for years. I first put this combination together on a busy weeknight when I had two chicken breasts and a lonely cup of mushrooms in the fridge. The sweet, sticky glaze from honey and the savory depth of soy sauce married with garlicky aromatics immediately turned it into a repeat dish. It’s the kind of meal that smells like comfort and comes together without a lot of fuss — ideal for those nights when you want something impressive but fast.
What I love most about this version is the texture contrast: thinly sliced chicken that sears to a golden edge, then finishes glossy and tender in the honey-garlic sauce while mushrooms give a meaty, umami counterpoint. It’s simple enough for a solo dinner but elegant enough to serve for friends. I discovered a key trick early on — slicing the chicken thinly against the grain so it stays tender and absorbs the glaze — and that small step changed the whole outcome. This method consistently yields a caramelized finish, and my family always asks for seconds.
In my house, this dish became the unofficial quick-dinner champion during a month of late rehearsals and early work calls. When I bring the skillet to the table the whole family gravitates toward that glossy sauce, and I love how little effort yields such a big reward. Once I started slicing the chicken thin and using a hot pan, the results were consistently excellent.
One of my favorite aspects is how forgiving the recipe is: a slightly higher heat for a minute or two gives more caramelization without changing the outcome. My partner once doubled the mushrooms because we had guests, and everyone declared it even better — the extra mushrooms soaked up the sauce beautifully. When you nail the sear and the glaze, the result feels a touch restaurant-level while still being completely achievable at home.
Cool leftovers quickly and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days; for longer storage freeze in a shallow container for up to 2–3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or a pat of butter to revive the sauce — high heat will tighten the chicken and can make it dry. For best texture, reheat just until warmed through, stirring frequently to prevent the glaze from sticking to the pan.
For a gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari (1:1). If you want less sugar, use 1 tablespoon honey and add a teaspoon of rice vinegar for balance. Swap chicken for thinly sliced turkey breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian take — if using tofu, press it well and reduce cooking time to avoid crumbling. Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper umami; oyster mushrooms add a delicate texture. For dairy-free, omit the butter and increase the oil by 1 teaspoon or finish with a splash of sesame oil for richness.
Serve this over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the glaze, or toss it with egg noodles for a heartier bowl. For a lighter plate, spoon the chicken and mushrooms over a bed of mixed greens or steamed bok choy. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. Pair with simple sides like quick-pickled cucumbers or blanched broccoli for color and texture contrast.
This simple honey-garlic glaze draws on East Asian flavor principles — the balance of sweet, salty, and umami — while staying rooted in quick Western pan-searing technique. Similar sauces appear across Asian cuisines as a quick glaze for proteins, but this version is streamlined for home cooks who want that glossy, caramelized finish without long marinating or specialized ingredients. It’s a little fusion and a lot of comfort.
In spring and summer, add quick-cooked sugar snap peas or thin asparagus spears in the last minute for freshness. In autumn, swap mushrooms for a mix of cremini and shiitake and stir in a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch. For winter, swap honey for a tablespoon of maple syrup and add a pinch of ground ginger for warming depth. Small seasonal tweaks can shift the profile while keeping the core technique intact.
I served this at a casual dinner party once with rice and a simple cucumber salad; a friend declared it “surprisingly restaurant-good” and asked for the recipe on the spot. Another time, my kids who normally avoid mushrooms cleaned their plates because the glaze made the fungi taste sweet and caramelized — that felt like a culinary victory. These small wins are why I keep this dish in heavy rotation.
Slice the chicken and store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; mince the garlic and mix the honey and soy together in a small jar ahead of time. When you’re ready, the active cooking time is under 15 minutes. Portion into meal-prep containers with rice and blanched greens for quick lunches; reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Enjoy the glossy, savory-sweet balance of this quick skillet meal — it’s proof that a few good ingredients and a hot pan can create something everyone will ask for again. Make it your own by adjusting the sweetness, experimenting with mushrooms, or serving it on a bed of your favorite grain.
Slice the chicken thinly against the grain to keep it tender and quick-cooking.
Partially freeze the breasts for 15–20 minutes to make even slicing easier.
Avoid browning the garlic; cook it only until fragrant (30–45 seconds) to prevent bitterness.
If the glaze thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it while reheating.
Use a hot pan and don’t overcrowd it — work in batches if necessary for a better sear.
This nourishing honey garlic chicken with mushrooms recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Pat chicken dry and slice thinly across the grain, about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and tent to rest.
Lower heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon butter and the minced garlic. Sauté 30–45 seconds, then add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates and they brown, about 5–7 minutes total.
Pour in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Let the mixture simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy and caramelized. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Last Step: Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Leave a comment & rating below or tag
@whiskia on social media!


Silky ribbons of egg swirl through savory, peppery chicken broth, finished with sesame oil and fresh scallions. Cozy, nourishing, and on the table in 10 minutes.

A speedy, takeout-worthy chicken and broccoli stir-fry ready in 25 minutes — juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, savory sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for finishing.

A small-batch mocha cheesecake with an Oreo crust, silky coffee-scented filling, and whipped cocoa cream — perfect for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight dessert.

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @whiskia on social media!
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don't forget to leave a review!
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
Comments are stored locally in your browser. Server comments are displayed alongside your local comments.
Join to receive our email series which contains a round-up of some of our quick and easy family favorite recipes.