Are you craving a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and heat? Look no further! This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze. It’s ideal for those who love bold flavors with a hint of spice, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or special occasions.
What is Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken?
This dish combines juicy chicken with a glaze made from honey, spices, and savory elements. The result is a delightful combination of sweetness, heat, and depth of flavor. Perfectly caramelized, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (454g, 680 calories)
- 1/2 cup honey (120g, 400 calories)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml, 35 calories)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml, 240 calories)
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (15g, 20 calories)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g, 10 calories)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (2g, 5 calories)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (15g, 30 calories)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (30g, 10 calories)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish (optional, 15g, 100 calories)
4. Kitchen Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
5. How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and pour into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
6. Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or increase the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ground pepper enhance the overall flavor.
- Balance Sweetness: Add a splash of lemon juice if the sauce is too sweet for your liking.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Burning the Sauce: Stir frequently to prevent the honey from burning.
- Undercooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or snap peas for additional texture and flavor.
9. Serving and Presentation Ideas
For a beautiful presentation:
- Serve over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
10. Nutritional Information and Calories
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 375
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
11. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! You can reduce the spice level by omitting or reducing the red pepper flakes.
13. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for those who love a blend of bold flavors. It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and sure to become a family favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with others and subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas! 😊
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Irresistible Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (454g, 680 calories)
- 1/2 cup honey 120g, 400 calories
- 1/4 cup soy sauce 60ml, 35 calories
- 2 tbsp olive oil 30ml, 240 calories
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper 15g, 20 calories
- 2 cloves garlic minced (10g, 10 calories)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes 2g, 5 calories
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water 15g, 30 calories
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions 30g, 10 calories
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish optional, 15g, 100 calories
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and pour into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.