Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired