Print

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken is a quick and satisfying dish that perfectly balances tender chicken with the sweet glaze of honey and the spicy zing of black pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful, family-friendly meal that can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb / 450 g)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, dissolved in 1 tbsp water)

Cooking

  • 12 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Pat the pieces dry to help achieve a nice sear when cooking.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. If you want a thicker glaze, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water and mix well.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet and stir constantly as it thickens and bubbles. Return the chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is nicely coated in the sticky, flavorful sauce.
  5. Final Touches: Turn off the heat and sprinkle an extra pinch of black pepper on top. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving to soak up that irresistible flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh black pepper for more vibrant and aromatic spice intensity.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain a nice sear and avoid steaming.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to suit your preferred sweetness and balance.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to heighten the flavors.
  • Optional garnishes include chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, sweet and spicy chicken, weeknight meals, gluten free chicken, honey chicken