Description
Chicken coated in a tantalizing honey pepper glaze, offering the perfect blend of sweetness and heat. This easy-to-make dish is sure to spice up your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients
For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sweet and Spicy Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 teaspoons water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts as they tend to retain more moisture during cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the glaze.
In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, chili flakes, garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir everything together using a whisk to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you like your glaze to have a bit more spice, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Once the glaze has thickened, return the chicken to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, turn the chicken in the glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and get a nice, sticky coating.
You can also brush extra glaze on top of the chicken for added flavor and a glossy finish. Be sure to coat the chicken generously so that every bite has a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Once the chicken is well coated with the glaze, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting the chicken ensures that the juices stay locked inside, making it even more tender.
Serve the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the skillet over the chicken for added flavor and a glossy finish. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 12-14g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 25-28g