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Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Your new go-to for a weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor and surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a delectable sweet, spicy, and slightly peppery glaze, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy evenings.
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium is recommended
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with cold water mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds Optional, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions or chives Optional, for garnish
  • pinch Salt and Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. In a bowl, toss the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
    2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, pinch Salt and Black Pepper
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  3. In the same skillet (you can wipe out excess grease if needed, though a little is good for flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
    2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  4. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
    1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with cold water
  7. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss the chicken gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the delicious sweet and spicy glaze.
    2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with cold water
  8. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to cling beautifully.
  9. Serve the Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives, if desired. It’s excellent served over steamed rice, with noodles, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables.
    Sesame seeds, Chopped green onions or chives

Notes

This recipe is great for busy weeknights as it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.