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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American

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

  1. In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, then coat in flour. Set aside.

2. Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

4. Coat the Chicken & Serve

  1. Add crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce.
  2. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
  3. 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.

Find it online: https://quickbiteskitchen.com/sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-recipe/