If you’re craving a quick and vibrant dinner that packs a punch, Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine golden chicken pieces, coated in a sticky, sweet, and undeniably bold sauce, all mingling with crisp bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger. The result is one irresistible stir-fry that dances between heat and honeyed notes, catching your senses with every bite. Perfectly balanced and ready in under 30 minutes, this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is as comforting as it is exciting, promising to steal the show at your table.

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is how each ingredient brings its own character, from crunchy peppers to the lip-smacking sauce. You don’t need a long grocery list—just a handful of key items that each lend a crucial element to the finished dish.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken, ensuring a crisp exterior and silky sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds savory depth both to the marinade and the sauce.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and vegetables until golden and fragrant.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
Green bell pepper: Offers mild bitterness and crunch, balancing the sauce’s sweetness.
Garlic: Essential for that punchy, unmistakable aroma.
Fresh ginger: Keeps the flavors bright and zesty.
Red pepper flakes: Delivers that subtle lingering heat right at the end.
Green onions: The perfect fresh garnish, adding color and a hint of mild onion bite.
Honey: Creates the glossy, sticky coating that gives the dish its signature sweetness.
Soy sauce (for sauce): Rounds out all the flavors in the luscious glaze.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the whole dish.
Sriracha or hot chili sauce: Packs the dish with fiery charisma—adjust this to taste!
Black pepper: Accentuates the spicy, peppery notes throughout.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite.

How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and soy sauce. This step isn’t just about flavor—it creates that beautiful light crust that soaks up every drop of the sweet and spicy sauce later. Take a moment to make sure the chicken is evenly coated so every bite is tender and flavorful inside and out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer. This ensures you get that lovely golden color on all sides and cooks the chicken through in just about 5–6 minutes. Once done, scoop out the golden chicken and set it aside—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Aromatics

Don’t let that delicious fond left in the pan go to waste! Toss in your red and green bell peppers and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they’re just starting to soften. Then, add minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes—this is the moment your kitchen will start smelling absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper. This glossy, flavor-packed mixture is the secret to Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken’s addictive glaze. You’ll notice how the blend skews between sweet, tangy, and fiery—and the anticipation begins!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in that luscious honey-pepper sauce, and stir well to coat every piece. Lastly, add the cornstarch slurry. This is the magic move that thickens your sauce until right when it starts hugging every chunk of chicken and pepper. Let everything sizzle together for another 2–3 minutes, watching the sauce get glossy and perfect.

How to Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

The best finishing touch? Scatter a handful of sliced green onions right on top for color and crunch. If you love a little extra heat, sprinkle some more red pepper flakes or even add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to bring a subtle, nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken loves a cozy bed of steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of sauce. You can also serve it over pillowy noodles for a heartier twist, or even with cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things light. Add a side of quick-cooked broccoli or snap peas for more greens and bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking for a fun dinner party idea? Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Or pile everything onto a big platter with extra vegetables on the side, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. Personal bowls with extra chili sauce on the side never fail to impress spice lovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer your Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to meld and intensify overnight.

Freezing

Want to make a batch for later? Let your chicken cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. The sauce holds up nicely—just be aware that peppers may lose a touch of their crunch after freezing, but flavor stays top-notch. Frozen Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is best within 2 months for maximum freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce feels too thick. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover the dish to keep it juicy. Stir occasionally to heat everything evenly, and your Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken will taste just as inviting as the night you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here for an even juicier, more flavorful result. Just trim them well, cut into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same method.

How spicy is Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken?

The heat level is very customizable—you can dial it up or down by playing with the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes. Start with the recipe as written for a pleasant medium kick, and adjust from there according to your spice preferences.

What other veggies can I add?

This dish is fantastic with add-ins! Try thinly sliced carrots, snap peas, broccoli florets, or even baby corn to boost color, crunch, and nutrition without altering the bold flavors that make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Simply swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your sriracha brand for any hidden gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?

The quick marinade with cornstarch and soy sauce is key for keeping your chicken juicy and tender, even with high-heat cooking. Be sure not to overcrowd your pan and avoid overcooking so each piece stays succulent.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable, Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is ready to step up. It’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spicy—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any table. Give it a try this week, and let your kitchen fill with the kind of mouthwatering aromas that make everyone ask, “What smells so good?”

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky honey sauce with a kick of heat, paired with colorful bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha or hot chili sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)

Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Cook in olive oil until golden.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Make Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper. Pour over chicken and veggies.
Thicken Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.