Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken:
Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the spices.
Toss the seasoned chicken in flour (or cornstarch if you want extra crispiness) until fully coated.
2️⃣ Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Set the chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss it in the glaze until each piece is well-coated and sticky. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavor.
4️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5️⃣ Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy garlic butter sauce until evenly coated. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with the sticky honey pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta:
- For extra crispiness: Use cornstarch instead of flour when coating the chicken.
- Adjust the glaze sweetness: Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze, or increase the pepper for more heat.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Fry just until golden and crispy; the chicken will stay juicy when tossed in the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, zesty pepper, and creamy garlic butter all come together in one bite!
- Quick & Easy: You can have this dinner ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 33g
- Sugar: 18g
FAQ About Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta:
Can I use another protein?
Yes! This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you want to switch things up.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prep the honey pepper glaze and creamy garlic butter sauce in advance, then just heat them up when you’re ready to assemble.
Can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, use a lower-fat cream or substitute half-and-half. You can also use a non-stick spray instead of frying the chicken in oil.
Common Problems and Fixes:
- Glaze not sticking to the chicken?
Make sure the chicken is hot when you add it to the glaze, as this helps it stick better. - Creamy sauce too thick?
Add a little pasta water or extra cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach with the creamy pasta for extra veggies.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect mix of flavor and comfort. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Success with Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta:
Tender, crispy chicken in a sweet and spicy glaze paired with rich, creamy pasta—what’s not to love? This dish is a comforting, flavorful winner that you’ll want to make over and over again.
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