Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe: Perfectly Balanced Meal!

Honey Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines sweet honey with a kick of black pepper to create a delicious glaze for the chicken. The chicken is cooked until it’s tender and coated in a sticky, slightly spicy sauce that balances sweetness with a bit of heat.

To serve, place the Honey Pepper Chicken on a plate and pair it with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce. It also goes well with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

For a complete meal, you might add a fresh salad or some warm bread on the side. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner with a sweet and spicy twist.

Overview: How To Make Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey pepper glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat evenly in the glaze.

Step 5: Serve Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your sweet and spicy Honey Pepper Chicken!

Why I Love This Recipe?

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances savoury and sweet flavours with a touch of heat, making it incredibly satisfying and comforting. The honey pepper chicken is a delightful mix of crispy chicken coated in a sweet, spicy sauce that caramelizes beautifully, adding both depth and richness.

Paired with creamy macaroni cheese, which is rich and cheesy with a smooth texture, it creates a meal that’s indulgent and comforting. The combination of these dishes makes for a hearty and flavorful dinner that feels both special and homey.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy both a delicious protein and a creamy side in one go, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds with its irresistible blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This comforting meal combines the rich, sweet taste of honey with the kick of black pepper, all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. It's a perfect balance of flavors that makes every bite both satisfying and delicious.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 785 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 1/4 tsp Ground cayenne pepper

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

• 8 ounces Macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Cook the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Simmer the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Finish the Chicken:

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
• Return the chicken to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce.
• Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Set aside.

Make the Macaroni Cheese:

• Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve:

• Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
• Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken.
• Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

• Adjust Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Thicken Sauce: If the honey pepper sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer it a bit longer until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional black pepper for a touch of color and extra flavor.

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Nutrition Facts:

Tips You May Find Helpful!

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and a touch of garlic for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavour and helps the chicken absorb the sweet and spicy notes. For best results, marinate overnight.
• Use High-Quality Honey: Choose a good-quality honey for a richer flavor. Raw or pure honey adds depth and complexity to the glaze. Avoid using overly processed honey, as it can lack natural sweetness and flavour.
• Sear and Glaze Correctly: Sear the chicken in a hot pan to develop a caramelized crust. Once seared, reduce the heat and coat the chicken with the honey pepper glaze. Allow the glaze to simmer and thicken, which will create a sticky, flavorful coating.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry.

What To Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe?

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Frequently Asked Questions for Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe!