Description
Sizzling sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken brings a bold Korean-inspired flavor explosion to your dinner table. Crispy chicken glazed with honey and chili creates an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lb chicken thighs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Trim and pat chicken breasts and thighs completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken piece with the spice mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings penetrate the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing each piece to sear and develop a golden-brown crust, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha sauce in a separate bowl to create a vibrant, tangy-sweet glaze.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and pour the honey-pepper sauce over the seared chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
- Simmer chicken in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce thickens into a glossy coating.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce is still glossy and aromatic.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry to ensure maximum seasoning absorption and achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in incredible flavor.
- Mix your spice blend thoroughly, pressing seasonings into the meat to create a deep, penetrating taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust heat levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and sriracha sauce, making the recipe adaptable for mild or spice-loving palates.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the rich, umami flavor without compromising dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg