Sizzling Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken drumsticks drizzled with sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce promise a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Peppers and honey create magic when combined with perfectly seasoned poultry.

Balanced flavors burst through each succulent bite, promising an unforgettable meal.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a delectable dinner option.

Bold spices intermingle with golden honey, creating an irresistible glaze that clings beautifully to tender chicken.

Come hungry and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll become your new weeknight favorite.

Storage Advice for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and mac and cheese separately to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken and mac and cheese individually in freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing mac and cheese with fresh herbs.
• Place chicken and mac and cheese in separate microwave-safe dishes. Add splash of water or milk to prevent drying. Heat chicken for 1-2 minutes, mac and cheese for 1-1.5 minutes, stirring midway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and mac and cheese in oven-safe dishes.

FAQs About Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• What are the key ingredients that make this honey pepper chicken unique?

The blend of honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper creates a perfect sweet and spicy sauce that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or tenders work great as alternatives to chicken breasts, maintaining the same delicious flavor and cooking technique.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Cook the chicken on medium heat, avoid overcooking, and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.

What Makes Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Irresistible

• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Experience a mouthwatering dance of sweet honey, spicy peppers, and creamy cheese that creates an explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Master Cooking Skills Easily: Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their culinary game with straightforward techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results without complex preparations.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping cheese types, or adding extra vegetables to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a satisfying meal in minimal time, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner options without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary component of this delicious dish.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: A harmonious blend that creates a sweet and tangy sauce with deep flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add warmth, depth, and a subtle kick to the chicken sauce.

• Macaroni Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce.
• Butter, Flour: Create a roux that forms the base for a smooth and rich cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid foundation for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that contribute rich, tangy, and stretchy qualities to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and provide a light, healthy cooking medium.

How to Cook Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pour olive oil into the pan. Cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done, flipping once during cooking. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Create Magical Honey Pepper Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Slice cooked chicken into tender strips. Return chicken to skillet with sauce. Gently toss to ensure every piece gets completely covered in the sweet and spicy glaze.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve.

In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and cook while stirring constantly. Slowly pour milk, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Continue cooking until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until cheese melts completely. Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spread creamy macaroni cheese on plates. Top with honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the incredible flavor combination!

Pro Tips for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• Select chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Balance honey and cayenne pepper for perfect sweet-spicy harmony, adjusting to personal heat tolerance.
• Grate cheese fresh for smoother, creamier macaroni sauce instead of pre-shredded varieties.
• Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Delicious Variations for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• Tropical Paradise Chicken: Replace honey with mango puree and add a splash of coconut milk for a Caribbean-inspired sauce, creating a vibrant and fruity flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap cayenne for dried oregano and thyme, incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the macaroni, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken: Use barbecue sauce instead of honey, add smoked paprika to the seasoning, and mix crispy bacon bits into the macaroni cheese for a rich, smoky experience.
• Korean Gochujang Fusion: Replace honey with gochujang paste, add sesame oil to the sauce, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a spicy Korean-inspired version.

Best Pairings for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

• Elevate Sweet Honey Pepper Chicken Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cut through the dish's rich sweetness, balancing spicy and honey notes with bright, acidic undertones.
• Craft Beer Match: Hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) with citrusy hints amplifies the chicken's peppery complexity, creating a vibrant flavor interaction that enhances every bite.
• Cool Cucumber Salad: Refreshing side dish with light vinaigrette provides crisp contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, adding a clean palate-cleansing element to the meal.
• Roasted Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread with herbs offers a crunchy texture that complements the creamy macaroni and absorbs the honey pepper sauce perfectly.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Honey pepper chicken brings fiery passion to your dinner table with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Crispy chicken glazed in a zesty sauce promises a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a flavor foundation by generously seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until a golden crust develops, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from pan.
2. Transform the skillet into a sauce haven by combining honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a glossy, concentrated glaze that coats the back of a spoon, roughly 2-3 minutes.
3. Slice the perfectly cooked chicken into elegant strips, then gently reintroduce them to the vibrant sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the sweet and spicy essence.
4. Prepare macaroni in salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
5. Construct a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, creating a roux. Gradually introduce milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously enrobed with the rich, creamy mixture.
8. Plate the macaroni as a luscious base, crown with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity for personal spice preferences.
• Use skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking times.
• Prevent cheese sauce from becoming grainy by removing from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or wheat-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 503 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 1015 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg