Is this 20 minute Honey Soy Chicken going to save your dinner?

Is this 20 minute Honey Soy Chicken going to save your dinner? is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Drew Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $5.52 total, $2.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Corn Starch (for coating the chicken)
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium optional)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (raw or light honey)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup White Rice (uncooked, jasmine or long grain)
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets (steamed)

Instructions

  1. Season and Coat Chicken

    Sprinkle black pepper and salt over the chicken pieces, then toss them in corn starch until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Make Honey Soy Sauce

    In a small mixing bowl combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic; whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Pan‑Fry Chicken

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add a thin layer of oil, and cook the coated chicken in a single layer for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  4. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you finish the sauce.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Simmer Sauce

    Pour the honey‑soy mixture into the same skillet, bring to a gentle boil, and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook each side for about 2 minutes so the sauce glazes the pieces.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Serve with Rice and Greens

    Plate the honey soy chicken over cooked rice, add steamed broccoli on the side, and drizzle any remaining sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free option: use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, Low‑Sodium option: choose low‑sodium soy sauce, Paleo‑friendly: serve without rice, Vegetarian adaptation: replace chicken with firm tofu

Allergens: Soy, Honey, Wheat (soy sauce)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Is this 20 minute Honey Soy Chicken going to save your dinner?

Recipe by Drew Eats

A quick 20‑minute honey soy chicken dish perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy coated chicken tossed in a sweet‑savory ginger‑garlic sauce, served over rice with a side of greens.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.52
Total cost
$2.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Coating chicken evenly with corn starch
  • Pan‑frying chicken without overcrowding
  • Allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken before adding chicken
  • Glazing the chicken for the final 2 minutes per side

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard and keep face away from the pan.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Handle the skillet with oven‑mitts; the handle becomes very hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of honey soy chicken in Chinese‑American cuisine?

A

Honey soy chicken is a modern adaptation of classic Chinese stir‑fry techniques, combining the sweet flavor of honey with the salty depth of soy sauce. It became popular in American Chinese restaurants as a quick, family‑friendly dish that balances sweet and savory flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of honey soy chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

In southern China, a similar dish uses Shaoxing wine and oyster sauce instead of honey, while in Cantonese cooking, the glaze may include hoisin sauce. Northern versions might add Sichuan peppercorns for a mild numbing heat.

cultural
Q

How is honey soy chicken traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot over steamed white rice with a side of stir‑fried or steamed vegetables, allowing the sweet glaze to soak into the rice. Occasionally, it is garnished with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is honey soy chicken commonly associated with in Chinese‑American culture?

A

Because it is quick and crowd‑pleasing, honey soy chicken is often prepared for weeknight family meals, casual gatherings, and pot‑luck events rather than formal festivals.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with honey soy chicken?

A

Pair it with light sides such as cucumber salad, egg‑drop soup, or simple stir‑fried bok choy. Fried rice or lo mein also complement the sweet‑savory profile.

cultural
Q

How has honey soy chicken evolved over time in Chinese‑American cooking?

A

Originally a restaurant‑style glaze, home cooks have simplified the recipe by using pantry staples like honey and soy sauce, and many now add ginger, garlic, or chili for extra depth. The dish reflects the fusion of traditional stir‑fry methods with Western convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey soy chicken?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the chicken, and adding the sauce before the chicken is fully browned. Also, using too much sauce can make the dish soggy; let it reduce to a glaze.

technical
Q

Why does this honey soy chicken recipe use corn starch for coating instead of flour?

A

Corn starch creates a lighter, crispier crust and helps the sauce adhere better without becoming gummy. Flour would absorb more oil and produce a heavier coating.

technical
Q

Can I make honey soy chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat together in a skillet for a few minutes before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Drew Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Drew Eats focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that emphasize flavorful weeknight meals, often featuring Asian‑inspired recipes and practical kitchen hacks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Drew Eats' approach to Chinese‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Drew Eats prioritizes speed and minimal equipment, delivering 20‑minute meals with clear step‑by‑step narration. Unlike many channels that showcase elaborate techniques, Drew Eats streamlines classic Chinese flavors for everyday home cooks.

channel

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