This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a fun and tasty dish! It features tender chicken with a sweet honey glaze, balanced by a hint of pepper and topped with cheesy pasta.
Catching your taste buds between the crispy panini and creamy pasta is pure joy. I love making this when I’m craving something easy but super yummy—perfect for lunch or dinner with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto sauces. If you don’t have rotini, any pasta shape works well. Try penne or fusilli for a different twist!
Chicken Breast: For a lean option, chicken breast is perfect. However, you can use thighs for a juicier bite or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Both options work deliciously.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness here. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can work in a pinch. They won’t impart the same flavor, but they’ll add a nice sweet kick.
Soy Sauce: This brings saltiness and depth. If you’re looking for a low-sodium alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos. These will provide great flavor without the excess salt.
Breadcrumbs: You can use panko for extra crunch! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even oats can give a similar texture.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Crispy?
Cooking chicken properly is key to this dish. Start by ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps in getting that perfect crispy crust.
- Heat the oil in the skillet on medium heat until it shimmers.
- Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated in flour, then the honey mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs—this creates a lovely layer.
- Be patient! Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden color. If you have too many pieces in the pan, they may steam instead of fry so work in batches if needed.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups rotini pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta, and about 20 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, plus a little time tossing everything together. It’s quick and very tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is combined well so that it’s ready to coat the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In another bowl, add the flour and season it with a little salt. Take the diced chicken pieces and dredge them in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the honey mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, and then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (check that it’s no longer pink inside). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Using the same pot that you cooked the pasta in, pour in any leftover honey sauce. Heat it over medium-low until it’s warm. Then add in the drained pasta and toss everything together gently, making sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the tasty honey sauce.
6. Serve It Up:
Divide the honey pepper pasta into bowls. Top each serving with the crispy fried chicken pieces. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta warm, and dig in! Enjoy the delicious flavors and share this treat with friends or family.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully for this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the chosen pasta.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you need a substitution for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well, though they will slightly change the flavor. You can also experiment with brown sugar dissolved in a little water as a more granular alternative to achieve a similar sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Cook the chicken and allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. You can also cook the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Combine everything before serving, or reheat each component separately when you’re ready to eat!
