Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Craving a restaurant-style dinner without leaving your kitchen? This dish is the ultimate comfort food — a harmony of sweet, spicy, buttery, and creamy. The crispy honey pepper chicken brings that irresistible crunch, coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce with just a kick of heat. Paired with luscious garlic butter pasta, this meal will impress family, friends, or just satisfy your solo foodie soul.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (for flavor and color)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta of choice and cook until just al dente (firm to the bite), about 8–10 minutes. Drain, rinse with a little cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss well to evenly coat.
Dredge each piece in flour or cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, black pepper, hot sauce (if using), and minced garlic.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Once the sauce is ready, toss the fried chicken into the pan and stir to coat each piece thoroughly.
4. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
In a clean skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — be careful not to brown it.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat through for a minute. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until fully coated with the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Plate the creamy garlic butter pasta first, then top generously with the sticky honey pepper chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot, and enjoy every bite of this sweet, spicy, and creamy delight.
Tips for Success
- Extra crispy chicken? Use cornstarch instead of flour and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
- No heavy cream? Use a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream cheese as a substitute.
- Spicier version? Add red chili flakes or use sriracha instead of mild hot sauce.
- Vegetarian option? Use crispy tofu or cauliflower bites in place of chicken.