Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is the perfect combination of bold heat and sticky sweetness. Crispy chicken bites are coated in a glossy honey pepper glaze made with garlic, chili flakes, and black pepper for a lip-smacking flavor explosion. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with roasted veggies for a meal that’s better than takeout—and just as fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor – Sweet honey meets fiery chili and cracked pepper.
Crispy Chicken – Lightly breaded and golden brown on the outside.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
Versatile – Serve over rice, in tacos, or with noodles.
Crowd-Pleaser – Family-approved and perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• Steamed broccoli or snow peas

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Non-stick skillet or wok
Tongs or slotted spoon
Paper towels (for draining)
Small saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Beat in the egg, then add cornstarch and flour. Toss until well coated.
Let sit while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, water, garlic, chili flakes, and black pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Toss in Sauce
Transfer fried chicken to a large bowl.
Pour the honey pepper sauce over and toss until every piece is coated in the glossy glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Add a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken
Double-Coat for Extra Crisp – Add an extra dusting of flour before frying if you like it crunchier.
Use Thighs for Juicier Texture – Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender.
Keep Sauce Off Heat – Once thickened, set aside to avoid overcooking.
Adjust Spice – Add more chili flakes or even sriracha for a spicy kick.
Serve Immediately – Best when fresh and crisp.

Serving Suggestions
Over Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
With Noodles – Toss with stir-fried noodles and veggies.
In Lettuce Wraps – A lighter take that’s fresh and crunchy.
On a Salad – Great over a mixed greens salad with a drizzle of extra sauce.
With Fried Rice – Turn it into a full takeout-style feast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken separately and sauce in another container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to re-crisp.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.
Microwave: Use for convenience, though chicken may lose crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

3. Is it very spicy?
Moderately spicy. Adjust chili flakes to your preference or leave them out for a milder version.

4. Can I use store-bought sauce?
You can, but the homemade sauce is quick and has a fresher flavor.

5. What veggies go best with this?
Broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or bok choy are excellent choices.

Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish that combines the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with a rich, sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. It’s a total weeknight winner that feels indulgent without the hassle of takeout. Whether served over rice or tossed in wraps, this dish is bold, balanced, and completely crave-worthy.

Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget to double the batch. You’ll want leftovers.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 740mg

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