Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe offers juicy, tender chicken coated in a luscious honey glaze with bold black pepper notes, perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use a low-sodium variety if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended for added depth)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and grated ginger. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure it’s fully coated and cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it reduces, forming a beautiful glaze.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is glossy and thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle extra freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley or green onions over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Adjust sweetness and heat to your preference. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavor. Simmer the sauce long enough for it to thicken and cling to the chicken. Variations include adding sriracha for more heat, a citrus twist with lime or lemon juice, adding vegetables during simmering, using gluten-free soy sauce alternatives, or substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.