Description
Honey pepper chicken panini pasta blends Italian and American flavors for a delightful culinary experience. Layers of grilled chicken, melted cheese, and zesty honey pepper sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Crispy Chicken Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound/453 grams)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Pepper Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Creamy Pasta Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Transform chicken into thin cutlets by slicing horizontally. Create a three-stage coating process: dust with seasoned flour, dip in beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
- Deep fry chicken cutlets in hot oil at 375°F, turning once, until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking.
- Craft honey pepper sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cracked black pepper in a simmering saucepan. Whisk in cold butter until sauce becomes glossy and emulsified.
- Prepare creamy pasta base by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a rich sauce.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into cream sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Ensure each pasta strand is luxuriously coated.
- Layer pasta in oven-safe dish, strategically place sliced chicken on top, then generously drizzle with honey pepper sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and develops golden brown bubbles. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each noodle.
- Chicken Coating Pro Tip Double-dip chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that stays crunchy.
- Sauce Balancing Act Adjust honey pepper sauce sweetness by adding more vinegar for tang or more honey for richness, depending on personal preference.
- Cheese Melting Hack Place panini under broiler for just 1-2 minutes to achieve that irresistible bubbly, slightly browned mozzarella without overcooking the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 860
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 81 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg