Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the richness of honey with the fiery kick of black pepper and chili. Perfectly glazed and slightly sticky, these chicken pieces are ideal for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. This recipe strikes a balance between sweetness and heat, satisfying a wide range of palates.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thigh piecescornstarch or all-purpose flourvegetable oilgarlichoneysoy saucesriracha or hot chili saucerice vinegarblack peppercrushed red pepper flakesgreen onions (optional for garnish)

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with cornstarch or flour.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully glazed.

Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken wings instead of breast for a game-day snack.

Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper sweetness.

Include a splash of lime juice for a zesty finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.To retain crispiness, avoid microwaving too long.

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and sriracha.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

You can, but homemade gives the best flavor balance.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but for best texture, glaze the chicken just before serving.

Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely, tofu works well with this sauce.

What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating is necessary, but it can enhance flavor if you have time.

Is this kid-friendly?

With reduced spice, it’s a hit with kids too.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible glaze and savory-sweet taste. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Print