Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the chicken and peppers, stirring to coat evenly.
5. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!
🌟 20 Best Tips 🌟
1️⃣ Cut chicken evenly:
To cook uniformly, cut into bite-sized, similar-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Preheat your pan:
Getting the oil nice and hot first results in a crispy, well-browned chicken.
3️⃣ Don’t overcrowd:
Cook in batches if necessary — overcrowding drops the temperature.
4️⃣ Sear first:
Browning chicken first adds texture and flavor.
5️⃣ Don’t over-cook:
Remove once chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6️⃣ Slice peppers evenly:
To match cooking time and texture.
7️⃣ Adjust chili flakes:
Add more or less for preferred spiciness.
8️⃣ Add veggies at the right time:
Peppers should stay a bit crispy.
9️⃣ Grate fresh ginger:
Provides a much more vibrant flavor.
🔟 Pair with rice or noodles:
Flavors absorb nicely into a base.
11️⃣ Taste the sauce:
Adjust sweet, salty, or spicy to preference.
12️⃣ Add a squeeze of lemon:
To cut through richness and balance the flavor.
13️⃣ Consider adding garlic chili paste:
For a more pronounced chili flavor.
14️⃣ Switch up veggies:
Add broccoli or carrots for variation.
15️⃣ Use low-sodium soy sauce:
Helps control the final sodium content.
16️⃣ Make it a meal:
Pair with jasmine rice or lo mein noodles.
17️⃣ Save time:
Buy pre-diced chicken and veggies.
18️⃣ Garnish:
Top with green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
19️⃣ Make it a meal prep:
Divide into containers for a week’s worth of lunches.
20️⃣ Serve immediately:
Flavors are best when warm and fresh.
🍪 20 FAQ (with answers) 🌟
1️⃣ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
✅ Absolutely — thighs are more flavorful and forgiving to cook.
2️⃣ How much chili flakes should I put in if I like it less spicy?
✅ Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
3️⃣ Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
✅ Agave or maple syrup can be a good substitute.
4️⃣ Is this meal gluten-free?
✅ If you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, it’s gluten-free.
5️⃣ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
✅ 3–4 days in a covered container.
6️⃣ Can I freeze it?
✅ Yes — for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
7️⃣ What veggies can I add to it?
✅ Broccoli, zucchini, or snow peas are great choices.
8️⃣ Is it suitable for meal prep?
✅ Absolutely — it reheats well.
9️⃣ How can I make it less sweet?
✅ Reduce the amount of honey or cut it in half.
🔟 How can I make it more spicy?
✅ Add additional chili flakes or chili paste.
11️⃣ Can I use ground chicken instead of diced?
✅ Yes — just cook it differently and break it up with a spoon.
12️⃣ Should I marinate the chicken first?
✅ It’s not necessary, but you can for additional flavor.
13️⃣ Can I omit the peppers if I don’t like them?
✅ Definitely — just omit or substitute with another vegetable.
14️⃣ What if I don’t have fresh ginger or garlic?
✅ Ground or powdered versions can be a substitute.
15️⃣ Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
✅ Yes — just make sure to use a large enough pan.
16️⃣ How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
✅ The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
17️⃣ Can I make it in a slow cooker instead?
✅ Combine ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
18️⃣ What kind of oil is best for cooking?
✅ Vegetable or peanut oil for a neutral flavor.
19️⃣ Can I make it less sodium-rich?
✅ Try low-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt.
20️⃣ How can I make the sauce thinner or thickier?
✅ To thin, add water or chicken broth; to thicken, let it reduce.
🍪 Printable-Style Recipe Card 🍪
🍽 Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken 🍽
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
-
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-
1/2 cup honey
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp ginger, grated
-
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix: Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
2️⃣ Brown: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until nicely browned on all sides.
3️⃣ Add veggies: Toss in the peppers and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
4️⃣ Pour sauce: Add the honey mixture and stir to evenly coat.
5️⃣ Simmer: Reduce heat and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce has thickened.
6️⃣ Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles and enjoy!
