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Golden-brown honey pepper chicken pieces glistening with sticky glaze, nestled on a rustic wooden board with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and cracked black pepper, surrounded by honey dripping from a wooden spoon and chili flakes scattered artfully.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

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A bold, sweet-and-spicy honey pepper chicken recipe with sticky glaze, seared to perfection and finished with fresh herbs.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Push chicken to side; add garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. If using cornstarch, Mix with 1 tbsp cold water and stir into sauce. Simmer 2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and jalapeños.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add 1 tsp gochujang or sriracha with the sauce.
  • Can use chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier.
  • Pair with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz)
  • Calories: 312 Kcal
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 612mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 97mg