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Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
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This Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a sweet honey glaze and a spicy kick of freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and uses simple pantry staples to create a balanced and versatile meal that’s both family-friendly and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons)
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to build the base flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Combine and Glaze: Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece thoroughly with the honey pepper glaze. Cook for another minute, spooning sauce over the chicken to seal the flavors.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, drizzle remaining sauce on top, and finish with optional fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh pepper: Grinding black pepper just before cooking maximizes aroma and taste.
  • Pat the chicken dry: This helps achieve a golden crust rather than steaming the meat.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain heat and even browning.
  • Adjust sweetness carefully: Taste the sauce before glazing and add more honey if you prefer extra sweetness.
  • Rest the chicken: Letting it sit a few minutes before serving keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, quick chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken, family-friendly chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/easy-honey-pepper-chicken-recipe/