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Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful honey chicken brings together sweet Southern charm with fiery Asian-inspired zest in one incredible dish. Crispy golden bites glazed with rich honey and chili sauce promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) honey
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish (Optional):

  • green onions
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
  2. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a sizzling surface.
  4. Carefully transfer marinated chicken to the hot skillet, arranging pieces to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
  6. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
  7. Pour remaining marinade into the same skillet, bringing the liquid to a rapid boil.
  8. Reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5 minutes.
  9. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the reduced sauce.
  10. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and reheat the chicken.
  11. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the sauce stick better and create a more caramelized exterior.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat, or reducing black pepper for a milder version.
  • For a gluten-free option, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory depth.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (up to 2 hours)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg