Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken delivers the perfect balance of sticky sweetness and zesty heat in every bite. Tender pieces of chicken are lightly crispy, coated in a bold glaze made from honey, cracked black pepper, and a hint of chili. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for weeknight dinners or game day bites—easy to make, and packed with flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighscornstarch or all-purpose floureggsvegetable oil (for frying)saltblack pepper

Honey Pepper Sauce:
honeysoy sauceapple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)watergarlic (minced)cracked black pepperred pepper flakes (optional)cornstarch (for thickening)

directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

In separate bowls, whisk eggs and place cornstarch or flour.

Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat in cornstarch or flour.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.

Toss the crispy chicken in the honey pepper sauce until well coated.

Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use baked or air-fried chicken for a lighter version.
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Add chopped bell peppers or broccoli for a full one-pan meal.
Serve over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Not ideal for freezing, as coating may lose crispness.

FAQs

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit red pepper flakes.

Is it very sweet?

It’s balanced—adjust honey to taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the texture may be softer than freshly fried.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work well.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, store in the fridge for up to 1 week and reheat before using.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?

Yes, use ½ teaspoon for a milder flavor.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Do I need to double-fry the chicken?

Not required, but double-frying gives extra crispiness.

What’s a good side?

Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a deliciously bold dish that brings the heat, the sweet, and the savory all in one. With its irresistible sticky glaze and crispy texture, it’s sure to be a favorite whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Quick to make and packed with flavor—it’s a meal worth repeating.