Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Name: Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Ingredients: For the Chicken:• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces• ½ cup all-purpose flour• ½ cup cornstarch• 1 tsp salt• ½ tsp garlic powder• ½ tsp paprika• 2 eggs, beaten• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola); For the Honey Pepper Sauce:• ½ cup honey• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar• 1 tbsp ketchup (adds tang and color)• 1 tsp garlic, minced• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening); Optional Garnish & Sides:• Sliced green onions• Toasted sesame seeds• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles• Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies

Posted on May 14, 2025

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Craving a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory comfort? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken delivers crispy, golden chicken tossed in a sticky, bold glaze made with honey, cracked black pepper, garlic, and a hint of chili. It’s a mouthwatering dish that brings together irresistible flavor with satisfying crunch—great for dinner, game nights, or your next craving for something a little fiery and sweet.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sticky-Sweet & Spicy – A perfect balance of heat and honey.
Crispy Chicken – Lightly breaded and golden-fried perfection.
Easy to Make – Just a few ingredients and 30 minutes start to finish.
Customizable Heat – Control the spice level to match your taste.
Restaurant-Worthy – Better than takeout and perfect for a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp ketchup (adds tang and color)
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Optional Garnish & Sides:
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
• Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies

Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan or deep pot
• Slotted spoon
• Saucepan for glaze
• Paper towels and tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Place on a plate while you heat the oil.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
Once hot (350°F), fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Optional: Double fry for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
If you want a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Toss the Chicken
Add the fried chicken to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the hot honey pepper sauce over the chicken and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Use Thighs for Juiciness – Thighs stay tender and flavorful.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches for even cooking.
Double Fry – For ultra-crispy chicken that holds up to the sauce.
Control the Heat – Add more or less red pepper flakes to taste.
Sauce Last – Toss chicken in sauce just before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions
• Over fluffy white rice or coconut rice
• Paired with sautéed green beans or bok choy
• In a wrap or slider bun with slaw for a fun twist
• On skewers for parties or game day
• With a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
• Oven or air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for crispiness.
• Microwave: Quick, but chicken will be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick. Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken nuggets?
Sure! Warm them up and toss with the sauce for a shortcut version.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—store chicken and sauce separately. Re-crisp chicken and toss with reheated sauce just before serving.

Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken brings bold flavor, crispy texture, and sweet heat to your dinner table in the most satisfying way. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make but tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Asian-fusion restaurant.

Try it once, and it’ll be a regular in your rotation! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your spicy-sweet creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion