Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish that balances the richness of honey with a punch of heat from black pepper and chili flakes. Coated in a sticky glaze and cooked to golden perfection, this chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings. It’s juicy, bold, and irresistibly saucy.

ingredients

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

boneless chicken thighs or breastssalt and black peppercornstapioca or cornstarcholive oilgarlichoneysoy sauceapple cider vinegarcrushed red pepper flakeswatergreen onions (for garnish)

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Coat the chicken evenly in tapioca or cornstarch, shaking off the excess.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Let the sauce cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce clings to the chicken.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken wings or drumettes for a party-friendly version.

Add a dash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.

Include sautéed bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.

Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover honey pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or rewarm in a skillet over medium heat until hot.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for juiciness, but breasts work well too.

Is it very spicy?

The heat is mild to moderate, but you can adjust the pepper flakes to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

What should I serve it with?

Rice, noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables pair perfectly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—broccoli, carrots, or snow peas are great additions.

Can I use bottled garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?

Simmer longer to thicken or add a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, especially if you’re serving with rice or noodles.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken brings together sticky sweetness and peppery heat in one delicious dish. With its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. Give it a try, and it just might become a regular on your dinner menu.