(A juicy, tender chicken dish that balances sweetness and spice perfectly! With honey, black pepper, and a dash of heat, this sweet and spicy chicken is sure to be a hit at dinner.)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust more or less for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sweet and spicy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and serve immediately. This goes great with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it! More flakes = more heat.
- Pair this chicken with some steamed jasmine rice or a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.
DON’T:
- Overcook the chicken—it should be juicy and tender! Check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through but not dry.
- Forget to scrape up the brown bits from the skillet! Those little bits add so much flavor to the sauce.
Pro Tips:
- For extra caramelization, drizzle some honey over the chicken in the last minute of cooking, allowing it to create a slightly crispy glaze.
- If you prefer a tangier version, add a little more vinegar for a sharper flavor contrast to the honey.
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that will make your taste buds dance! With tender, juicy chicken and a flavorful sauce, it’s an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect combination of heat and sweetness! 🍯🌶️🐔
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