Skip to main content

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Savor the delightful crunch of honey garlic chicken paired with creamy rotini pasta. A comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

Min-Jae Park - Head Chef
By Min-Jae Park
4.7 (150 reviews)
Jump to Recipe
Delicious Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken - homemade American comfort food recipe
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken - Ready to enjoy

Imagine a cozy evening at home, the aroma of honey and garlic wafting through the air. This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy Rotini is a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort. The chicken, golden and crispy, offers a delightful crunch, while the rotini, bathed in a creamy sauce, melts in your mouth. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or a special night in.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a crispy, flavorful crust. The rotini pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, is enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s both rich and comforting. This dish is not just about taste; it’s about the experience. The way the flavors meld together, the satisfying crunch of the chicken, and the creamy pasta create a symphony of sensations that make every bite memorable. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it a favorite for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.

Step-by-step preparation of Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken showing ingredients and initial cooking steps
Preparing the ingredients
Cooking process for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken showing technique and proper timing
During the cooking process

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Non-stick skillet

Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking

Large pot

Essential for boiling pasta to al dente perfection

Whisk

Helps in creating a smooth, creamy sauce

Sharp knife

For precise slicing of the chicken

Cutting board

Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread

Complements the garlic notes in the chicken

Caesar Salad

Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta

White Wine

Enhances the flavors with a light, fruity note

Steamed Vegetables

Adds a healthy, colorful side

Lemon Sorbet

Cleanses the palate with a refreshing finish

Perfectly cooked Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken served and ready to eat - final result
The perfect finished result

Pro Tips

  • For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan in the pasta for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

🍳 Your Cooking Progress

Ingredients Gathered

0/12 Complete

Cooking Steps

0/6 Complete

Recipe Mastery

0% Complete

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Indulge in the crispy texture of honey garlic chicken, perfectly complemented by the rich, creamy rotini pasta. This dish is a heartwarming blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Category: Dinners
Servings: 4 yields
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

💡 Click on ingredients to check them off!

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

💡 Click on steps to mark as complete!

  1. 1
    Prepare Chicken
    Season chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Cook Chicken
    Add chicken to the skillet, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. 3
    Make Honey Garlic Sauce
    In a small bowl, mix honey and minced garlic. Pour over chicken and let it caramelize.
  4. 4
    Cook Pasta
    Boil rotini in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. 5
    Prepare Cream Sauce
    In a saucepan, melt butter, add cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
  6. 6
    Combine and Serve
    Toss pasta with cream sauce, sprinkle with parsley. Serve alongside chicken, drizzling extra sauce on top.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 650
Total Fat 28.0g
Carbohydrates 70.0g
Protein 35.0g

Chef's Notes

  • The honey garlic chicken is perfectly crispy, with a golden-brown crust that crackles under your fork.
  • Creamy rotini pasta is a delightful contrast, with a velvety sauce that clings to each twist.
  • The aroma of garlic and honey wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
  • A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and a hint of earthiness to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

To achieve extra crispy chicken, ensure it's patted dry before seasoning. Use a hot pan with a little oil, and avoid overcrowding to allow proper browning. Let it rest before serving.

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives that work well with this dish.

Fresh parsley or basil are wonderful choices for garnish. They add a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted vegetables. The honey garlic sauce pairs well with both, and the creamy pasta remains a comforting base for the meal.