Quick Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish that balances the rich sweetness of honey with a bold kick of pepper and umami from soy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken recipe is incredibly simple yet delivers complex, satisfying flavor. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you get juicy, seared chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, tangy glaze. It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and can be doubled easily for meal prep or family dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken.

6. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5–7 minutes, spooning it over the chicken occasionally.

7. Once the sauce has reduced to a glossy glaze and coats the chicken well, remove from heat.

8. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: Around 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Boost: Add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

• Garlic Flavor: Stir in 1–2 cloves of minced garlic when cooking the chicken for a savory depth.

• Ginger Twist: Add grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a zesty kick.

• Vegetable Add-In: Serve with sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete meal.

• Protein Swap: Use boneless thighs, tofu, or shrimp in place of chicken breasts.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing is not recommended due to the honey-based glaze, which may change texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or rice vinegar are suitable substitutes.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken when spooned over.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, prepare fresh and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

The base recipe is mildly spiced; adjust heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

What sides go well with this chicken?

Rice, steamed vegetables, quinoa, or noodles all complement the dish nicely.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then bake with the sauce at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger pan and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure even glazing.

What type of honey works best?

Regular clover honey works well, but local or raw honey adds depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Quick Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a go-to recipe when you need a fast, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Its balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors makes it a versatile dish for any night of the week. Whether served over rice or alongside stir-fried veggies, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings in under 30 minutes.

Quick Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chickne

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 1 from 2 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop

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Description

This Quick Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a fast, flavorful dinner bursting with the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy, and a hint of tangy heat. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness).

3. In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.

5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks.

6. Serve hot with rice, veggies, or a side salad.

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Notes

• Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.

• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

• Great served over jasmine rice or noodles.