Description
This honey pepper chicken is a quick, sweet, and spicy dinner perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special night. Juicy chicken thighs are glazed with honey, cracked black pepper, and soy sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 to 1.5 tsp coarse black pepper, freshly cracked (to taste)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until thick and glossy. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey-pepper glaze over the chicken and turn thighs to coat. Let the glaze bubble and thicken.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is sticky and glossy. For chicken breasts, check after 6 minutes.
- Uncover, increase heat for 1 minute, and spoon sauce over chicken to caramelize and glaze.
- Let chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for best sear. Use freshly cracked black pepper for bold flavor. Watch the glaze closely—honey burns quickly, so keep heat at medium when adding sauce. Add a splash of water if glaze thickens too much. Chicken breasts can be substituted; adjust cooking time to avoid dryness. Let chicken rest before serving for juiciness.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 19
Keywords: honey pepper chicken, Valentine’s Day dinner, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, sweet spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, date night recipe