Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry); Cooked rice; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds (optional)

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Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: the Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe. This dish is sweet, savory, and gently spiced, bringing together perfectly golden chicken bites tossed in a sticky, glossy sauce made with honey and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or treating yourself to something special, the Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe wins hearts with just the right balance of flavor and crave-worthy texture. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for the busiest of evenings—no takeout menu required!

Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with simple, store-cupboard staples that each play an essential role—crispy coated chicken, an unforgettable sweet and peppery sauce, and those classic garnishes for color and crunch. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component matters.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These are the stars of the show—choose thighs for juiciness, breasts for a leaner bite.
Salt: Just a pinch seasons the chicken right from the start.
Black pepper: The namesake kick! Freshly ground gives the best aroma and zesty bite.
Cornstarch: Creates a delightfully crisp crust without deep frying—no fuss, all crunch.
Vegetable oil: For pan-frying the chicken to beautifully golden, tender perfection.
Honey: The sticky, golden sweetness that makes this dish utterly addictive.
Soy sauce: Adds that deep, umami savoriness that melds perfectly with the honey.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of tang to balance out the sweetness.
Water: Loosens the sauce and helps everything simmer and mingle.
Freshly ground black pepper: Extra for the sauce—don’t skimp if you love bold flavor!
Garlic: One clove is all you need to give the sauce its warm, aromatic backbone.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A dash for subtle heat or skip for a milder dish.
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water): Thickens the sauce so it beautifully clings to the chicken.
Cooked rice: The perfect base—soaks up every last drop of that scrumptious sauce.
Chopped green onions: Sprinkle on top for freshness and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds (optional): Nutty, toasty crunch if you have them on hand.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Start by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the salt and black pepper, tossing to evenly coat each piece. Add the cornstarch and toss again—you want every piece to have a light, powdery coating, which will crisp up beautifully in the pan. This quick step is the secret to that irresistible bite!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate—you’re almost there!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey Pepper Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those flavorful brown bits are pure gold), combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, black pepper, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Whisk everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting the flavors meld and the aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk in the cornstarch slurry (that’s just the mix of cornstarch and water). Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and bubbles. You’re looking for a glossy, slightly syrupy consistency that will coat the chicken just right.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in that gorgeous, peppery honey glaze. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors marry. Remove from heat, and get ready to serve your masterpiece!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of bright green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds will elevate your Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe from homemade to restaurant-level. These simple toppings add freshness and a delightful bit of crunch with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice to soak up the sweet and spicy sauce. For extra veggies on the table, think quickly steamed broccoli, snow peas, or crisp cucumber salad. The flavors of the Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe are versatile and pair delightfully with many Asian-inspired sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken over rice in vibrant bowls for a cozy night in, or try it as part of a build-your-own rice bowl bar—let everyone customize with extra veggies and sauces. For a fun appetizer twist, pile the glazed chicken on toothpicks and scatter with garnishes as a party-ready finger food. However you serve it, the Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is a lunch dream come true. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken stays tender and the sauce tastes even richer as it soaks overnight.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, simmer the chicken and sauce, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months—just make sure to reheat slowly for the best results and to preserve that glossy texture.

Reheating

For best flavor, reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but give it a good stir and cover to keep the chicken moist. Either way, Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is just as tempting the next day!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice in the Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe. They stay juicy and tender while soaking up the sauce—use whichever cut you prefer or even a mix of both.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe offers a mild heat from black pepper, with an extra kick if you add the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your tastes or omit entirely for a gentle, family-friendly dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The cornstarch coating is naturally gluten-free, so no other adjustments are needed!

What can I use instead of chicken?

Try this same method with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a delicious meat-free version. The honey pepper sauce works its magic on just about anything you toss it with.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you’d like a thicker sauce for your Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe, add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly. For a lighter glaze, add a splash more water as the sauce finishes cooking until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you love a meal that’s sweet, savory, and a little bit bold, you’ll fall hard for this Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to master, yet never fails to wow. Give it a try—you might just start making it on repeat, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes in your kitchen!

Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sticky honey pepper sauce, perfect for serving over a bed of steamed rice. Quick and easy to make, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce:

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

For serving:

Cooked rice
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat with cornstarch.
Cook the chicken: Cook coated chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, black pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a skillet. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine chicken and sauce: Toss cooked chicken in the sauce and cook briefly.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.