Honey Soy Chicken (Steak) or 蜜汁豉油雞扒(mut zup see yau gai pa) in Cantonese or 蜜汁醬油雞排 (mì zhī jìang yóu jī pái) in Mandarin. It’s a bit like teriyaki chicken without the thick sauce and is very easy to make. I generally like to make everything boneless, if I can, so that it’s easier to eat, looks fancier and I can save the bones to make bone broth.
There are many Chinese dishes nowadays that use honey. To my understanding, the use of honey in Chinese cooking started in Hong Kong where many western influences created a variety of Chinese-western fusion foods. Traditionally, Chinese cuisine would use maltose for their dishes that require a sweet syrupy ingredient. Chinese barbequed pork or “cha siu” (叉燒) is a good example of maltose usage. However, maltose can be difficult to use because of its harder texture. (If using maltose, remember to wet your spoon with water before dipping into it so it won’t stick.) Since honey is more liquid, it’s easier to use and has become quite useful in the Chinese kitchen.
This is a super easy recipe that kids and adults (basically everyone) will love! It’s extremely versatile too! In this photo, I used deboned chicken thighs and put them on top of some garlic braised pea shoots with rice. You can use any part of the chicken, like chicken breast or drumstick, boned or deboned. You can serve it on top of mashed potatoes or pasta to go for a fusion style. It’s also delicious between some burger buns or the Chinese style steamed buns, (割包 gūa bāo), just add lettuce and...voila! You can't go wrong with an egg too!
This recipe for honey soy chicken 蜜汁豉油雞扒 is not just quick and easy but also big on taste!

Honey Soy Chicken 蜜汁豉油雞扒
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken thighs , deboned (roughly 2lbs)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Oil
Instructions
- Debone chicken and put into a mixing bowl
- Add 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine and 1 tsp garlic powder into the mixing bowl and mix well with the chicken. Let marinade for 15 minutes
- Add 2 tbsp oil to a pan on medium-high heat and place chicken into the pan with the skin side down. Fry for around 3 minutes, or until you see a bit of browning then flip the chicken over and fry for another 3 minutes
- Turn the heat down to low. Add the honey to the chicken. Move the chicken around so that the honey is spread evenly. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked
- You may choose to slice the chicken into smaller pieces or serve steak-style






I was planning steam my chicken legs, but inspired by this recipes, I following some of the final steps to have a honey soy sauce chicken legs. I am glad that my family love it!! Thanks Emily for the inspiration:)
I'm so glad you found inspiration in my dishes! Happy cooking!
Nothing planned for a Sunday night and found this quick and easy recipe! Happened to have all the ingredients and family loved it!!
Hi Kiki! This is my go to when I want to make something quick, easy & tasty. My family loves it too! Happy cooking!
I have made this dish a few times now. Family approved every single time. Thank you for sharing it! A little sweetness in a savory dish adds a lot of taste to it!!
Thank you for the support Kat! I love hearing how people and their families are enjoying my recipes. Happy Cooking!
Love how simple and delicious this recipe is! Best part is how common the ingredients are, no need to stop at the grocery store. Thank you for creating and sharing this dish!!
Hi Leanna! Thanks for the great feedback! Your meal looks delicious!!! I might have to make that for dinner too! Happy Cooking!