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Quick Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Crispy pieces of honey pepper chicken coated in a dark, glossy glaze and sesame seeds, served over white rice.
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Make this easy honey pepper chicken for a flavorful weeknight dinner. It balances sweet honey with a noticeable peppery heat and cooks fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Optional: Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and coarsely ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to simmer.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch slurry again and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken pieces until they are fully coated in the sticky honey pepper glaze.
  6. Serve the honey pepper chicken immediately over hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or snap peas.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/honey-pepper-chicken-recipe/