Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Grill the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred. Set aside to rest.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
- Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Slice the grilled chicken and brush or drizzle with the honey pepper glaze.
4. Prepare the Creamy Pasta
- In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Plate pasta, top with sliced honey pepper chicken, and drizzle extra glaze.
- Garnish with parsley or chili flakes for a little kick.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
🔥 Use cracked black pepper – It adds texture and real peppery kick.
🌿 Marinate the chicken – Let it soak in olive oil, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor before grilling.
🧄 Don’t skimp on garlic – Both the glaze and pasta benefit from fresh garlic for a robust taste.