🌶🍯 Spicy Honey Chicken – Sweet, Satisfying & Done in 25!
📝 Description:
This Spicy Honey Chicken is everything you want in a fast and flavorful meal — crispy chicken bites glazed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce with a fiery finish. The balance of honey, soy, garlic, and chili makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s bold, comforting, and versatile. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, quick lunch, or meal prep!
🍗 Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-size cubes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- Sesame seeds & chopped green onions, for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower heat to medium. Pour in honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, and sriracha (if using). Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Simmer the sauce with the chicken for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to bubble and thicken into a sticky glaze.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles, or enjoy on its own!
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Protein Swap: Works great with boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu.
- No Sriracha? Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce instead.
- Crispy Option: Lightly coat chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying for a crispier texture.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and store extra portions in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 2–3
- Serving size: ~1 cup cooked chicken per person
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving – approx):
- Calories: 310–340 kcal
- Protein: 26–30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 25–30g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Sodium: 500–600mg
✅ Benefits:
- High-Protein: Great for muscle recovery and satiety.
- Quick-Cook: Done in under 25 minutes — ideal for busy days.
- Balanced Flavor: Combines sweet, spicy, and umami in a satisfying glaze.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Better Than Takeout: Healthier and fresher than restaurant versions.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then toss in the sauce on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Definitely. The sauce can be made in advance and stored separately. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the chicken.
Q: What goes well with Spicy Honey Chicken?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, cauliflower rice, or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Q: Can I reduce the sweetness?
A: Yes — use 2 tbsp honey instead of ¼ cup, or mix in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for balance.