Honey Pepper Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken & Rice dish is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that come together in a quick, satisfying meal. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a glossy honey soy sauce with a kick of red pepper flakes, served over fluffy white rice. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus 1 tbsp extra for cooking)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Scallions (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start by cooking the white rice according to package instructions so it will be ready along with the chicken.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, garlic salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in the honey and soy sauce, letting the mixture bubble and thicken into a glossy sauce.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the honey pepper chicken over the cooked rice and top with chopped scallions for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar to the sauce before serving.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Add diced vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the honey sauce and rice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on the soy sauce used. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Honey Pepper Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken & Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Served over fluffy white rice and topped with fresh scallions, this dish combines savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American with Asian influences

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 1 cup white rice

Chicken

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for coating)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Sauce and Vegetables

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Topping

• Scallions, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Cook the white rice according to package instructions to ensure it will be ready around the same time as the chicken.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, garlic salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well coated.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic and bell pepper: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Make the sauce: Stir in the honey and soy sauce. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken into a glossy sauce.
6. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the honey pepper sauce.
7. Serve: Spoon the honey pepper chicken over the cooked white rice. Top with chopped scallions for added freshness and serve immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute jasmine or basmati rice for white rice if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Quick Dinner Recipe