Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta – Sweet & Spicy Perfection
If you love a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, then this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is just what you need! This dish combines crispy, golden chicken tossed in a rich honey pepper glaze, served over creamy alfredo pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily recreate at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors – The sweetness of honey, the spice of black pepper, and the richness of creamy alfredo sauce create an irresistible combination.
- Crispy Chicken – The crunchy texture of the breaded chicken adds a delightful contrast to the smooth pasta.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Restaurant-Style Meal at Home – This recipe gives you the taste of a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In three separate bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, dip in eggs, and then coat in the panko mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken strips until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Stir well and let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- For Extra Crispiness: Double coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes and black pepper according to your heat preference.
- Make It Healthier: Try air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Pair It With: A side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist. The crispy chicken, sweet and spicy glaze, and creamy pasta make it a winning dish for any occasion. Try it today and impress your family with this delicious homemade meal!