Go Back
Honey Pepper Chicken

How to Make The Best Delicious Honey Pepper Chicken at Home

This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Crispy fried chicken is coated in a sticky honey-pepper glaze for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk for marinating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water for slurry

Equipment

  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the mixture until fully coated.
  3. Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and crushed pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
  5. Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper sauce until fully coated. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This dish also works great with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist!