Description
Honey pepper chicken panini pasta combines Italian and American flavors for a delightful culinary journey. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and sweet-spicy sauce create a mouthwatering meal you can easily enjoy at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
- Create a three-stage breading station: dust chicken with flour, dip into whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), frying chicken pieces until exterior turns golden brown and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Craft honey pepper sauce by combining honey, freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan, simmering on low heat until mixture reduces and thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
- Transform pasta into a luxurious side by melting butter, incorporating heavy cream, and folding in shredded mozzarella until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Slice crispy chicken into diagonal strips, generously drizzle with honey pepper glaze, and arrange artfully atop creamy pasta.
- Garnish with additional cracked pepper or fresh herbs for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure extra crispy exterior and better coating adherence.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free alternatives for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive version.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the pasta for an enhanced flavor profile and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg