Easy Korean Sweet Soy and Honey Chicken

By
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks.
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Updated on 01/24/23
Easy Korean Sweet Soy and Honey Chicken

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
291 Calories
5g Fat
32g Carbs
31g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 291
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 1819mg 79%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 30g
Protein 31g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 29mg 2%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 389mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe for Korean Sweet Soy and Honey Chicken is simple and not time-consuming to make. So, if you're on the go or simply don't have much time to spare after leaving work, picking up the kids, etc., this meal is a must try.

If you're not super familiar with Korean food, have no fear. The great thing about chicken is that it's a truly international food. This meal should taste very familiar to you, but with the addition of spices and sauces traditionally used in Korean cooking.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be done in one pan on the stovetop. It's also great on the grill, on skewers, or as the protein in a meal salad.

If you're making this meal for a family of four, this recipe (unless you double or triple it) will be enough for one night. If you're making it for just yourself or for yourself and another person, you should have enough for leftovers. Use the chicken as the protein in a salad and you'll have enough to treat yourself for up to one work week.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 chicken breasts, pounded very thinly or cut into pieces

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Easy Korean Sweet Soy and Honey Chicken ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Combine the soy sauce, sugar, honey, and olive oil in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

    Combine the soy sauce, sugar, honey, and olive oil in a large bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni


  3. Add the chicken and garlic to the marinade, mix to cover the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes.

    chicken, garlic and marinade in a bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. After marinating, put the chicken and marinade into a pan set over medium-high heat. Cover it, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to medium-low in order reach a low simmer.

    chicken with marinade in a pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Cook the chicken until done at a low simmer. Be sure to turn the meat at least once. This step should take about 20 minutes, but since cook time varies depending on the cooking method and cut of meat, check the temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165 F internally. 

    Easy Korean Sweet Soy and Honey Chicken in a pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni