Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Craving something bold, sticky, and packed with flavor? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Tender chicken pieces are pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey-pepper glaze that clings to every bite. It’s a quick, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing weekend dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Flavorful – Ready in under 30 minutes with bold, balanced flavor.
Sweet with a Kick – Sticky honey sauce paired with black pepper heat.
Perfect with Rice or Noodles – The sauce is ideal for soaking into your favorite sides.
Family Favorite – Sweet enough for kids, spicy enough for adults.
No Deep Frying – Crispy, pan-seared chicken without the mess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp water (additional, if needed)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables (like broccoli or snap peas)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Small saucepan (optional for sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
4. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
2. Pour sauce mixture into the same skillet (wipe clean if necessary) over medium heat.
3. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. If too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Toss Chicken in the Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sticky sauce.
3. Simmer for another minute to fully coat and heat through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
3. Add your favorite veggies on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for Success
Don’t Crowd the Pan – Work in batches to ensure the chicken sears properly.
Use Freshly Ground Pepper – It adds a bold kick that’s essential to this dish.
Adjust Spice to Taste – Add more or less red pepper flakes to control heat.
Thicken Gradually – Stir the cornstarch slurry in slowly to avoid lumps.
Rest the Chicken – Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before saucing to lock in juices.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly.
On Top of Noodles – Try rice noodles or soba for a fun twist.
With Stir-Fried Veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas make great companions.
As a Wrap – Spoon into lettuce cups or tortillas for a handheld option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes! Just warm it in the sauce until heated through—perfect for rotisserie chicken.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Try crispy tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken and follow the same steps.
3. Is it very spicy?
   It’s mildly spicy with a sweet balance. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes—use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead?
   Yes, bake coated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in the sauce.

Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a sticky, savory, slightly sweet explosion of flavor that’s incredibly easy to pull together. Whether you’re craving something bold for dinner or looking to shake up your meal prep routine, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or pair it with fresh veggies—it’s delicious no matter how you plate it. Try it tonight and see why it’s a favorite you’ll keep coming back to!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American–Asian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 540mg

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