Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Bold, sticky, and bursting with flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is the ultimate crave-worthy dish that hits all the right notes. Tender, pan-seared chicken pieces are glazed in a glossy sauce made with sweet honey, cracked black pepper, and just enough heat to make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day meals, or anytime you’re craving something sweet, savory, and spicy all at once.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Balance – A perfect blend of honey, black pepper, and chili.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Crispy Chicken – Lightly coated and pan-fried for golden edges.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Better Than Takeout – Big flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp ketchup (adds depth and tang)
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
• 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
6. Add the sauce to the same skillet over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Toss & Coat
8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sticky honey pepper glaze.
9. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and glossy.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
10. Serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken
Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper – It makes a huge difference in flavor intensity.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry chicken in batches for a crispy finish.
Control the Heat – Add more chili sauce or even red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Keep the Chicken Crispy – Add it to the sauce right before serving.
Double the Sauce – If serving with rice or noodles, extra sauce goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice – Jasmine or basmati soaks up the sauce perfectly.
Vegetable Stir-Fry – Serve alongside sautéed bok choy or broccoli.
Lettuce Cups – For a lighter, low-carb option.
Asian Slaw – Adds crunch and freshness.
Fried Rice – Turn it into a full takeout-style dinner at home.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying?
   Yes! Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 380°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Is this dish very spicy?
   It’s moderately spicy. Reduce chili garlic sauce to taste or leave it out for a milder version.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes—use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your chili sauce is gluten-free.
4. Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
   Yes! Toss already cooked chicken in the sauce and simmer until heated through.
5. What’s the best substitute for chili garlic sauce?
   Sriracha or a mix of hot sauce and minced garlic works well.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken delivers major flavor with every sticky, peppery bite. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies your takeout cravings but is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether you serve it over rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps, it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your saucy creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 720mg

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