Name: Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Imagine tender bites of chicken wrapped in a glossy, sticky glaze that’s equal parts sweet, fiery, and rich — that’s exactly what you get with Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken. This dish combines bold honey sweetness, vibrant pepper heat, and umami undertones into a weeknight dinner you’ll crave over and over. It’s quick enough for busy evenings but packs such a flavor punch that it’ll steal the show at dinner party tables, too.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic in Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken lies in its no-nonsense ingredients — each one plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, crunch, and color. With a few pantry staples and a couple of fresh aromatics, you’ll have everything you need to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Chicken (1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces): The star of the show — thighs are juicy while breasts are lean, so pick your favorite.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): This coats the chicken and gives it that irresistible crispy edge, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for frying, it helps crisp the chicken without overpowering its flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to draw out flavor in each bite.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle kick that enhances the overall spice.
Honey (1/3 cup): Sweetness is key here, and honey adds body and caramel notes to the sauce.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): For deep savory umami and an elegant saltiness.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A little tang brings the whole sauce together and balances the sweetness.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Yes, ketchup! It adds gentle acidity and a touch of tomato richness.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A hint of molasses depth and extra sweetness to round out the glaze.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Just enough fire to make the honey sing; add more if you love heat.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): That aromatic punch that no good stir-fry should be without.
Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Zippy warmth that brightens every bite.
Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it hugs each piece of chicken.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Begin by tossing the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Each bite gets lightly dusted for texture, and that coating turns to gold in the skillet later. Make sure each piece is evenly covered — this step is what gives your Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken its velvety-sauced, crispy-edged finish.

Step 2: Crisp and Cook the Chicken

Heat up the vegetable oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them brown undisturbed for a minute or two before tossing, so they develop that gorgeous, golden crust. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes in total, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and crisped up. Remove them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Whisk Up Your Signature Sauce

In the same skillet, it’s time to build flavor! Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring it to a lively simmer — you’ll see the sauce begin to transform right before your eyes. Don’t forget to keep stirring as those aromatics work their magic!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Lower the heat a bit, then stir in your cornstarch slurry (that clever blend of cornstarch and water). As soon as it hits the hot sauce, everything thickens and turns glossy within a minute or two. This is the secret for that sticky, coat-everything glaze you adore in Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken.

Step 5: Finish and Coat

Now, slide your cooked chicken right back into the pan. Toss to coat every morsel in the sticky sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld — you’ll see the glaze clinging to each piece, promising sweet, spicy, and savory flavor in every bite. Serve it hot and get ready for oohs and aahs at the table.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken from “weeknight” to “wow!” Toss on thinly sliced green onions, sprinkled sesame seeds, or even a bit of extra crushed red pepper for color and crunch. Fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges add brightness if you’re after a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

This dish shines over a pile of fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, so the sweet-spicy sauce has somewhere cozy to collect. It’s also fantastic with noodles, or heaped alongside a medley of quick-sautéed veggies like snap peas or broccoli. For lighter fare, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for an Asian-inspired wrap.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with toothpicks as a zippy appetizer, or pile it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner. Leftovers make great wraps or even pizza toppings — just add a drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of cheese before broiling. The sticky, glossy sauce ensures it’s always the centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a little Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken left over? Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It stays perfect in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens, becoming even stickier and more expressive with time.

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead on meal prep, this chicken freezes beautifully. Seal cooked, cooled chicken (with sauce) in airtight containers or freezer bags. Lay bags flat for easy stacking and thawing. It keeps well for up to 2 months — just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwaves work too, but go for short bursts and stir between, so the chicken heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just toss leftover or rotisserie chicken in the sauce after thickening. It’s a huge time-saver, though you’ll skip the crispy cornstarch texture of sautéed chicken. The flavor still shines bright!

Is there a vegetarian way to make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken?

Yes! Swap the chicken with cubes of firm tofu or even cauliflower florets. Press and pan-fry the tofu for crispiness, then proceed with the same sauce and method.

How spicy is this recipe, really?

It hits that perfect sweet-heat balance, but you can dial the spice up or down. For more kick, add extra red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, use just a pinch of pepper flakes or skip them entirely.

Can I double the sauce for extra drizzling?

Definitely! If you love your meals extra saucy (think spoonable over rice or noodles), feel free to double the entire sauce portion. Just adjust thickening time accordingly so you still get that shiny glaze.

What type Main Course

Use a basic all-purpose or low-sodium soy sauce. Dark soy sauce can add color and richness, but be careful with the salt content. Tamari works wonderfully for a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that always delights, Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken brings together vibrant flavors, effortless prep, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Give it a try in your own kitchen — it just might become your new signature dish!

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors with tender chicken coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Instructions

Coat Chicken: Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Cook Chicken: Brown chicken pieces in oil until cooked; set aside.
Make Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, spices, garlic, and ginger in skillet; thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer to meld flavors.
Serve: Enjoy hot over rice, noodles, or veggies.