Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken features crispy, golden-brown chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey-pepper glaze. It’s a delicious combination of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors that pairs well with rice, veggies, or even as a sandwich filling!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for crispy coating)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each piece in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, then coat in flour. Set aside.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken & Serve
- Add crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or a side of steamed veggies.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken by frying it a second time for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more red pepper flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Want a healthier version? Air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Great as a sandwich! Serve in a toasted brioche bun with coleslaw for a crispy honey pepper chicken sandwich.