Looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is exactly what you need! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this crispy fried chicken coated in a luscious, sticky sauce will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who love the classic combination of sweet and spicy. The honey provides a rich, natural sweetness, while the crushed red pepper flakes and hot sauce add just the right amount of heat. It’s also a versatile dish—serve it with rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
Who Is This Recipe For?
If you’re a fan of takeout-style crispy chicken but prefer making it at home with wholesome ingredients, this is for you. It’s a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a fun weekend cooking project. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon cornstarch (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in flour. This method ensures an extra crispy texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
1. How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken
- Double coating the chicken (cornstarch → egg → flour) ensures the best crunch.
- Fry in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels for even crispier results.
2. Sauce Adjustments
- Like it spicier? Add more hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Want more depth? A teaspoon of hoisin sauce or brown sugar can add a rich umami flavor.
3. Alternative Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Coat the chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Baked: Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the crispiness.
- If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to prevent sogginess.
Food & Drink Pairings
This dish pairs well with:
- Side Dishes: Steamed rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Beverages: Iced green tea, a crisp white wine like Riesling, or a citrusy beer like a wheat ale.
FAQ
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. What’s the Best Oil for Frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best because they have high smoke points.
4. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While best served fresh, you can fry the chicken in advance and toss it in the sauce when ready to serve.
Try This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Today!
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