Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta 🍯🌶️🍝
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, season the cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the spices.
2. In a separate dish, pour in the flour (or cornstarch) to create a dredging station. Coat each piece of seasoned chicken in the flour until well-covered. This step enhances the crunchiness when fried.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
6. Return the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the honey pepper sauce until well-coated. Ensure every piece has a generous amount of sauce.
7. While the chicken simmers, you can prepare your choice of pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, consider making a creamy sauce by mixing butter and cream (or a dairy alternative) in a separate pot, and seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy garlic butter sauce and serve alongside the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta, a delightful dish bursting with flavor!