Description
Honey Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy honey glaze with a peppery kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a simple preparation that yields juicy, delicious chicken every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
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)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional black pepper for a pronounced peppery flavor. This ensures the chicken is well-seasoned before cooking.
- Heat the oil and sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the honey pepper sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the honey pepper sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the honey quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet or more intense glaze.
