Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Description
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, black pepper, and chili flakes. This dish balances sweetness, heat, and a hint of smokiness, making it an irresistible meal for spice lovers. It’s perfect for dinner, parties, or a special treat when craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
½ cup olive oil
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust for spice level)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture. Repeat for extra crispiness.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Stir well.
Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
Remove from heat and add hot sauce if desired.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper sauce until well coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional).
Step 4: Serve
Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 750mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or air-fry it for a lower-fat option.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor. Just ensure they cook thoroughly.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
Increase the black pepper and red pepper flakes, or add more hot sauce to the sauce.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Great side dishes include steamed rice, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, o
r garlic mashed potatoes.