Description

Honey Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This recipe pairs the natural sweetness of honey with the kick of freshly ground black pepper and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, balanced by tangy apple cider vinegar and savory soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it delivers a deliciously sticky and aromatic chicken that can be served with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering. This will provide a perfect sear for the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Create the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and coat: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the honey pepper sauce over it. Cook for another 2 minutes, turning the chicken to fully coat it in the sauce and warm through.
Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
For less sweetness, reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Fresh garlic can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American