If you love the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is for you! It’s crispy, juicy, and coated in a mouthwatering honey pepper sauce that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy & Juicy – Golden-fried chicken bites with a crunchy coating.
✅ Sweet & Spicy – The sauce blends honey’s sweetness with pepper’s kick.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking steps.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, family dinners, or a solo treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crispy Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mix.
- Repeat for extra crispiness – double dip for crunchier chicken.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Add the crispy fried chicken to the sauce.
- Toss well until each piece is fully coated.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors absorb.
Serving Suggestions
🍚 With Rice – Serve over steamed white rice or fried rice.
🥗 With Vegetables – Pair with stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.
🍟 As a Snack – Enjoy with a side of crispy French fries or onion rings.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken
✔️ Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip twice in flour for crispier chicken.
✔️ Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less black pepper based on your preference.
✔️ Use Fresh Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the sauce’s flavor.
✔️ Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed hot and fresh for maximum crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can use extra flour, but cornstarch gives a crispier texture.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great for this recipe.
5. What can I serve with honey pepper chicken?
Try it with rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a quick meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!
