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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 71 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices. This recipe combines sweet honey and spicy crushed red pepper flakes for a perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully in a skillet, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, then cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined to create a balanced sweet and spicy flavor base.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for a deeper taste.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil if necessary to prevent sticking, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet, discarding marinade used for soaking. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Glaze the Chicken: Optionally, pour in any reserved marinade and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken with a glossy glaze.
  7. Check Doneness: Verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
  8. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and a visually appealing finish.
  9. Serve: Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for more intense flavor.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • If you want a thicker glaze, reduce the reserved marinade separately before adding back to the chicken.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breasts.
  • Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds a nice texture and visual appeal but is optional.

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Find it online: https://tastydailykitchen.com/sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-recipe/