Sweet & Savory Honey Soy Chicken with Classic Spaghetti
A comforting fusion dish that combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey–soy glaze with perfectly cooked classic spaghetti. The sweet, salty, and umami-rich sauce clings beautifully to both the chicken and pasta, creating a balanced meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired + Italian pasta)
Difficulty Level: Easy–Medium
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Honey Soy Chicken
2 large boneless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs)
3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ cup water or chicken broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Classic Spaghetti
300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Optional Garnishes
Sesame seeds
Spring onions (sliced)
Extra chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add salt and spaghetti.
Cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente.
Drain and toss with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Soy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Honey
Oyster sauce (if using)
Garlic
Ginger
Vinegar/lemon juice
Cornstarch
Water or broth
Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.
Season lightly with black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Remove excess oil if needed.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour prepared sauce into the pan.
Stir continuously as it thickens (2–3 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is coated in glossy sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti
Option 1 (Recommended): Toss spaghetti directly into the pan and mix.
Option 2: Serve chicken over spaghetti.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds, parsley, or spring onions.
Serve hot.
Cooking Tips
Slice chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Don’t overcook the sauce — it thickens quickly.
Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well.
2. Can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-sodium soy sauce, and reduce honey slightly.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes — they’re juicier and more flavorful.
6. Is this freezer-friendly?
Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 14 g
Sugar: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 850 mg