Name: Spicy Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying); 1/3 cup honey; 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Honey Chicken hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, spicy, savory, and just a bit tangy. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and can be served with rice, vegetables, or even tucked into wraps. Whether you’re a spice lover or looking to try something new, this dish delivers a crave-worthy experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
cornstarch or flour (for coating)
salt
pepper
garlic powder
paprika
olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Spicy Honey Sauce:
honey
hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite brand)
soy sauce
apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
minced garlic
red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Toss chicken in cornstarch or flour until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the flavors.
Serve hot with rice, steamed vegetables, or your preferred side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of bite-sized pieces for a game day twist.
Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a zesty finish.
Replace hot sauce with gochujang or chili paste for a Korean-inspired flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
Use air fryer instead of pan-frying for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Avoid reheating too long to maintain the chicken’s texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water when reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. For crispier results, spray with oil before baking.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat and combine just before serving.

What can I serve with Spicy Honey Chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are all great sides.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

It depends on their spice tolerance. Reduce the hot sauce and skip red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Sriracha is a popular choice, but any hot sauce you enjoy will work well.

Can I freeze Spicy Honey Chicken?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, but the flavor will be different—slightly more earthy and less sweet.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Conclusion

Spicy Honey Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that combines sweet and heat in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for adding excitement to your weekly dinner routine. Whether served over rice or stuffed into tacos, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

Spicy Honey Chicken Recipe

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Spicy Honey Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze made with honey, hot sauce, and garlic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep and pairs well with rice or veggies.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Low Lactose

Instructions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch or flour until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer until sauce slightly thickens, 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let flavors absorb. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Adjust spice by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter option.
Use gochujang for a Korean-inspired twist.
Great for wraps, bowls, or tacos.
Make gluten-free by using tamari and cornstarch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 360
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg