Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze. With a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness, this dish is packed with bold flavors and makes for an irresistible meal. Whether served over rice, in a wrap, or as an appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful – The chicken is perfectly crispy and coated in a rich honey pepper sauce.
• Sweet and Spicy Balance – The combination of honey, black pepper, and chili flakes creates the perfect flavor harmony.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking time make this a great weeknight dinner.
• Versatile – Serve over rice, in a sandwich, or as a game-day snack.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like a takeout favorite but made fresh in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Garlic, minced
• Butter

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce: In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
5. Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper sauce until well coated.
6. Serve Immediately: Garnish with extra black pepper or chopped green onions and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Extra Spicy: Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to keep crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the fried (but uncoated) chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and work great for this recipe.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it before tossing in the sauce.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Try baking or air frying the chicken instead of deep frying.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Coat it in the sauce and warm it in a skillet.

What can I serve with this?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I use honey alternatives?

Maple syrup or agave syrup can work as substitutes.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce and avoid covering with a lid.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors with a crispy bite. Whether you serve it with rice, in a wrap, or as a snack, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Make it your own by adjusting the spice level and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!

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