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Delicious Honey Pepper Chicken dish, ready to eat and perfect as a featured image.

Honey Pepper Chicken

This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the chicken is coated in a delicious honey pepper sauce, making it an irresistible dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Chopped green onions optional

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Ziplock bag or bowl for coating
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Spatula or tongs
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the marinade ingredients (1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes). Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the Honey Pepper sauce ingredients (1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch) until the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
  3. In a ziplock bag or bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken, seal the bag (or toss in the bowl), and shake/toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Pour the Honey Pepper sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is sticky and glossy.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, use freshly cracked black pepper for a bolder flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness. You can also try making your own spicy honey by infusing honey with chili flakes for a few days for added depth of flavor.