Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the depth of garlic, and the savory essence of tender chicken and mushrooms, creating a dish that is as enticing as it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s a family-friendly option that will please even the pickiest eaters. Each bite promises a burst of flavor that dances on your palate, making this dish an irresistible choice for dinner. Get ready to dive into an easy, step-by-step recipe that will make your kitchen the heart of the home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it requires only a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, ensuring ease of preparation. It’s a quick meal, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence. Additionally, with tender chicken and umami-rich mushrooms, this dish is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy option. Your family will adore the sweet and savory glaze that beautifully coats each piece, elevating the chicken to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms recipe:
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is flavorful and satisfying. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce, while the garlic infuses a rich aroma as it cooks, lifting the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the thinly sliced chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
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Add Butter and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt completely, then toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook them until they are tender and lightly browned, approximately 5 minutes. This step allows the mushrooms to absorb the flavors from the garlic and butter.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring well to ensure the chicken and mushrooms are evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
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Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms hot over a bed of freshly cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for an added touch of freshness.
Tips & Tricks
To make your Honey Garlic Chicken even more delightful, here are some chef’s secrets and cooking hacks:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers or broccoli; they pair perfectly with the dish.
- If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a flavorful kick.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For a more profound honey flavor, opt for raw or local honey.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Noodles, especially soba or udon, are another excellent option, allowing the marinade to cling beautifully. For a bright, fresh contrast, consider serving a crunchy green salad on the side dressed with a light vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the dish.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only flavorful but also wholesome. A typical serving of Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms (about a quarter of the recipe) is approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
This nutritional breakdown shows a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it an excellent option for a filling and nutritious meal.
Storing Tips & Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
If you have leftovers or want to make this meal ahead of time, storing it is simple. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
For variations, consider swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You could also experiment with various vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or even carrots to tailor the dish to your preferences.
Conclusion for Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
There’s no reason to wait any longer to indulge in this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms recipe. It’s a fantastic way to create a weeknight meal that’s both easy and satisfying. With its harmonious blend of flavors and simple preparation, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular dinner rotation. Gather your ingredients and get cooking; your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking.
2. What type of mushrooms can I use?
Any type of mushrooms works well, but button mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms are particularly flavorful in this dish.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce.
4. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy; however, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to kick up the heat level to your preference.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to cook for the best results.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey For a more profound flavor, use raw or local honey.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the thinly sliced chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to coat the chicken and mushrooms. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles, optionally garnished with chopped green onions.