If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances the warmth of spice with the soothing sweetness of honey, the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is your go-to comfort food sensation. This recipe transforms simple chicken pieces into a golden, crispy delight coated in a luscious sauce that dances on your taste buds with every bite. It’s incredibly rewarding to make and even better to eat, combining a flavorful punch with approachable ingredients and a cooking method that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy, and each element here plays an essential role—whether it’s creating texture, layering flavors, or adding a vibrant pop of color to your plate. Let’s break down what makes this dish sing.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Provides a crispy coating that locks in moisture while frying.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch stick beautifully to the chicken.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Perfect for frying the chicken to a golden crisp without overpowering the flavors.
- â…“ cup honey: Brings luscious sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Delivers a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Enhances the sauce with a slight tomato sweetness and color.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Provides a bold and fiery kick—you can adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a sharp, aromatic heat that complements the sweetness and spice.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth and a savory edge.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty zing that elevates the flavor profile.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for garnish, introducing freshness and a subtle crunch to each serving.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and are easy to enjoy. Toss the chicken first in the cornstarch, creating a delicate crispy layer, then dip each piece into the beaten eggs, which help the coating adhere firmly during cooking.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Pieces
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, until each piece is golden and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, brown sugar, black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these together over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to merge these bold flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Coat Chicken in Sauce
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the saucepan, tossing them gently in the magical sauce to ensure every bite is glossy and bursting with flavor. Let the mixture simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all that sweet and spicy goodness.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, scatter sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over your plate. These simple garnishes add a fresh brightness and satisfying crunch, making the dish both visually inviting and texturally dynamic.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or a colorful stir-fried vegetable medley, helping to balance the meal with subtle textures and mild flavors that let the star chicken sauce shine. For an extra touch, toss together some quick cucumber salad to cool down the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups to add fresh crunch or over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and scallions. You can also plate it on a large shared platter surrounded by fresh herbs for a communal meal that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Spread the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, a microwave on medium power with short intervals works well for quick reheats.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the bold sauce in the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The spice level is controlled mainly by the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce you add. Feel free to reduce it or omit entirely for a milder flavor that still packs a punch of sweetness and savoriness.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute rice vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tang, but use slightly less to avoid overpowering the sauce’s delicate balance.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your ketchup and other condiments for gluten content.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a welcoming option for those with dairy restrictions while still being full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe, it will undoubtedly become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos for its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures. It brings together the best of sweet, spicy, and savory in a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds and the recipe too!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch batter and tossed in a sticky, zesty sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and sriracha. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the perfect balance of sweet and heat, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, coat the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten eggs to ensure a good coating that will crisp up when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, brown sugar, black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the simmering sauce and toss to coat them evenly. Let everything cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is fully coated in the sticky sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for a fresh and crunchy finish. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preferred spice level, from mild to extra spicy.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a juicier texture, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
