Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) To make honey pepper chicken, gather these simple ingredients. Start with four boneless chicken breasts. This cut cooks evenly and stays juicy. Next, you will need half a cup of honey. It adds sweetness and a nice glaze. Two tablespoons of soy sauce bring depth to the flavor. You also need one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This gives a nice tang to balance the sweetness. One tablespoon of crushed black pepper adds a kick. For aroma, use two cloves of minced garlic. One teaspoon of grated fresh ginger adds warmth. Don't forget salt; it enhances all the flavors. You will need two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. Finally, one tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro is for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a dish that is both sweet and spicy, giving you a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk these ingredients together: - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - A pinch of salt This mix brings sweet and spicy flavors to your chicken. 2. Next, take 4 boneless chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly. Make sure the chicken is well coated. 3. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it for up to 2 hours for more flavor. 1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. 2. After marinating, take the chicken out of the bag. Let any extra marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill or skillet. 3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). 1. During the last minute of cooking, brush some of the leftover marinade over the chicken. This step adds extra flavor. 2. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. 3. Slice the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. For this recipe, I suggest using boneless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer bone-in chicken, it can work too. Just remember to cook it a bit longer. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, but it takes more time to cook through. Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours. This gives the flavors time to soak in. The honey, soy sauce, and spices will create a rich taste. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish to make this easy. Both grilling and skillet cooking are good options for this dish. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. If you want nice grill marks, this is the way to go. On the other hand, cooking in a skillet can be quicker. It allows you to control the heat better. Plus, it’s easier to keep an eye on the chicken. No matter which method you choose, make sure to cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 2 hours is ideal if time allows. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed black pepper to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount, or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. {{image_2}} You can boost the heat of your honey pepper chicken easily. To do this, add more crushed black pepper. You can also include chili flakes for an extra kick. Start with a small amount to find your perfect balance. I suggest tasting the marinade before you use it. This way, you can adjust the spice to your liking. If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Fish works well with this marinade. Salmon or shrimp can add a nice twist. Tofu is another great option for a vegetarian dish. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water. This will help it soak up all those tasty flavors. Honey pepper chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. You can also add steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. Salads can make a great side too. Try a fresh cucumber or a mixed greens salad. The key is to balance the sweet and spicy flavors with fresh, crisp sides. To store leftover honey pepper chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents smells. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, like fish or cheese. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a bit of the marinade on top before sealing. Freezing honey pepper chicken is easy. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date and type of chicken. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken juicy. To reheat honey pepper chicken, use the oven or stovetop. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer the stovetop, use a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat on low until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Enjoy every bite! Honey pepper chicken is a sweet and spicy dish. It features tender chicken breasts marinated in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. The taste is a mix of sweet honey with a kick from the pepper. Garlic and ginger add depth, making the chicken flavorful and aromatic. When cooked, it has a nice glaze that makes it look appealing. Each bite gives a perfect balance of sweet and heat, making it a crowd-pleaser. Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time. Make it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. This way, you save time on cooking day. Just add the chicken to the marinade when you're ready. Letting the chicken soak longer can enhance the flavor. You can even double the marinade recipe for more meals later. This tactic makes meal prep easy and keeps your weeknight dinners quick. Honey pepper chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Fresh green salad with a light dressing - Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch - Quinoa for a healthy grain option These sides balance the flavors of the chicken and make a complete meal. You can mix and match based on your preferences for a fun dinner. You now have a complete guide for making honey pepper chicken. We covered the ingredients, marinating, and cooking steps. I shared tips on choosing chicken, perfecting your marinade, and variations to try. Plus, you learned how to store leftovers and reheat them. This dish is simple yet flavorful, perfect for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and with this guide, you have the tools to succeed. Happy cooking!$

Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

A flavorful dish combining sweet honey and spicy pepper for a delicious chicken meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
0.5 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon crushed black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
to taste salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, crushed black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the grill or in the skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
During the last minute of cooking, brush some of the leftover marinade over the chicken for added flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Slice the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Marinate for longer for enhanced flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, honey, spicy