Description

Sticky, savory, and just the right amount of sweet, this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a weeknight winner that delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 30 minutes. Crispy chicken bites are glazed in a glossy honey pepper sauce with the perfect kick of spice and a touch of tang. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a crave-worthy meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ⅓ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan frying)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)

Optional Garnishes:
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey

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Instructions

Step 1: Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, chili flakes, and garlic.
Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.

Step 5: Toss & Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chili flakes if desired.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups.

Notes

Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay tender even when crisped.
Don’t Crowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed for crispy results.
Adjust the Heat – Use more or less chili to suit your taste.
Double the Sauce – If you like it extra saucy, increase the sauce ingredients.
Keep Warm – Let the chicken rest in a warm oven while you finish prepping sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired