Honey Chilli Chicken

Last updated on: March 10, 2026

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Honey chilli chicken is one of those takeaway legends I always order—sweet, spicy, and just a little bit sticky in all the right ways.

But instead of forking out a tenner and waiting 45 minutes while my stomach eats itself, I’ve been working my way through the Chinese menu at home.

From Hoisin Duck Noodles to Manchurian Chicken to Beef Chow Mein, it's become my new hobby-slash-cooking obsession.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights, post-gym dinners, or when you’re craving a Chinese-style fakeaway without waiting 45 minutes and questioning your life choices.

You’re looking at around 52 g protein per serving, roughly 390 calories, and it’s all done in one wok in about 30 minutes.

Chicken breast does the heavy lifting on the protein front, while honey brings the sticky magic and fresh chillies keep things exciting.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Recipe

• Packed with ~52 g protein per serving to keep you full and satisfied

• Ready in 30 minutes from fridge to fork

• No deep-frying – lighter than a takeaway but still sticky and bold

• Uses simple UK supermarket ingredients

• Easy to tweak for spice lovers or chilli-avoiders

• Perfect with rice, noodles or straight from the pan (no judgement)

Key Ingredients

Chicken Breast. Lean, mean, protein machine. Diced for quicker cooking and fewer awkward chews.

Cornflour. This is what gives your chicken that little crispy edge. A light dusting turns your stir-fry from bland to brilliant.

Soy Sauce. Adds salt, umami, and that "ooh what’s that delicious flavour" vibe.

Rice Vinegar. Brings the tang to balance out the sweet. White wine vinegar works too—don’t panic shop.

Red & Yellow Peppers. Crunchy, colourful, and make it look like you know what you’re doing. Which you do. Sort of.

Spring Onions. The sassier cousin of the onion family. Mild, fresh, and brilliant for garnishing like a pro.

Garlic & Ginger. The power couple. They bring heat, depth, and make your kitchen smell like actual heaven.

Fresh Red Chillies. For the spicy kick that makes this dish live up to its name. Start with one, then go rogue with two if you're brave.

Tomato Purée. Thickens things up and gives the sauce a deeper, richer base.

Reduced-Sugar Ketchup. Yes, we’re still adults trying to be healthy. Just a bit of this helps create that sticky takeaway texture.

Honey. The star of the show. Sweet, golden, and the reason your chicken ends up glossy and glorious.

Variations & tips

• Add extra protein by tossing in edamame beans or serving with high-protein noodles

• Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you want it juicier

• Use chilli flakes or chilli paste if fresh chillies aren’t your thing

• Want it milder? Remove the chilli seeds or halve the amount

• Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is crowded – colour = flavour

Honey Chilli Chicken

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5 from 2 reviews

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Sweet, spicy and done in 30 minutes. This honey chilli chicken is a high-protein dinner winner.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 3 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 spring onions, sliced
• 15 g garlic cloves, minced
• 15 g ginger, minced
• 1-2 red chillies, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tbsp reduced-sugar ketchup
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix the chicken with cornflour, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prep the veg.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the peppers and spring onion and fry for a couple of minutes to soften. Add the garlic, ginger, and chilli and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken back to the pan along with the tomato puree, ketkup and honey. Mix through and serve.

Garnish with the remaining spring onions and serve hot.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Stove Top
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 390
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 52g

Recipe Video

Keeping Honey Chilli Chicken Fresh For Later

To Store

Pop your leftover honey chilli chicken in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just don’t forget about it—or it’ll haunt you when you open the fridge next.

To Reheat

Microwave it for 2–3 minutes until piping hot, stirring halfway through. Or chuck it in a hot pan with a splash of water and stir-fry it back to life.

To Freeze

Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. When hunger strikes, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. Don't freeze it with rice though—keep them separate like bickering siblings.

FAQs About Honey Chilli Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Just trim the excess fat.

Is honey chilli chicken really spicy?

It’s got a kick, but it won’t have you crying into your rice. Want it hotter? Add more fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes.

Can I make honey chilli chicken vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just make sure you press your tofu first or it’ll be like frying a wet sponge.

What should I serve with honey chilli chicken?

Rice, noodles, or even in a wrap if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s versatile like that.

Can I prep honey chilli chicken in advance?

You can! Marinate the chicken and chop the veg ahead of time. Then it’s just a 15-minute stir-fry when you're ready.

If You Liked This Honey Chilli Chicken, Try These

Hawaiian Chicken. A sweet, sticky, high-protein stir-fry that brings pineapple sunshine to your plate. Juicy chicken, caramelised rings, and a glossy soy-honey sauce that clings like a good rom-com ending. Serves four, cooks fast, and tastes like you’ve booked a cheeky mini-break to Honolulu.

Szechuan Chicken. Like your dinners with a bit of danger? Szechuan Chicken is here to bring the fire. Packed with bold flavours, crunchy veg, and a spicy kick that means business, this one’s a proper weeknight power move. Serve with rice or noodles and feel very smug about your life choices.

Firecracker Chicken. Sweet, spicy and ridiculously saucy, this high-protein Firecracker Chicken is your new midweek superhero. Lean chicken breast in a sticky, chilli-kissed glaze, piled next to steamed greens so you can feel smug while your taste buds throw a party. All done in about 25 minutes, with only one pan and minimal faff.

Leave Me A Comment Below

As always, I would love to hear how you find this honey chilli chicken recipe. If you make it, please come back and leave a comment below. Thanks!