Ready for a weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring? Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is your answer! This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s quick to whip up, healthier than takeout, and bursting with unbelievably delicious flavors. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a guaranteed family favorite. Say goodbye to dinnertime dilemmas and hello to a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My earliest memories of really enjoying cooking aren't fancy, but they're vivid. I remember watching my grandmother, a force of nature in the kitchen, stir up what she called her "secret symphony chicken" — a dish remarkably similar to Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken. She wouldn't share the recipe outright, of course, but hinted at the layers of flavor, the balance of sweet and heat. I’ve spent years refining my own version, and every bite is a little taste of her love and that happy nostalgia. This recipe isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
-
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is well coated. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Serve: Dish up immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve over rice or quinoa. Enjoy your Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken!
Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.1 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is well coated. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Dish up immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve over rice or quinoa.Sesame seeds, Chopped green onions