Description
This Indulgent Hot Honey Balsamic Chicken Alfredo with Feta & Chips is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken glazed in a spicy-sweet honey balsamic sauce, creamy Alfredo pasta, tangy whipped feta cream, and crispy roasted Brussels sprouts chips. Perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated dinner that balances spicy, savory, and creamy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Sauce
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (can substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup Hot Honey (regular honey with chili flakes can work)
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (red wine vinegar can be used as a replacement)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (any neutral oil can be substituted)
- 2 tbsp Butter (olive oil is a dairy-free substitute)
- 1 tsp Salt (essential for flavor)
- 1 tsp Pepper (essential for flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh or powdered garlic can be used)
Pasta & Alfredo Sauce
- 8 oz Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (any pasta shape can work based on preference)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (can use half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Whipped Feta Cream
- 4 oz Feta Cheese (cream cheese can be used for creamier texture)
- 2 oz Cream Cheese (Greek yogurt can be a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Brussels Sprouts Chips
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (green beans or zucchini can be used as a swap)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Make Whipped Feta Cream: In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once blended, transfer the whipped feta to a bowl and chill it in the refrigerator while you continue with the other steps.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Hot Honey Balsamic Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the hot honey and balsamic vinegar. Allow the mixture to reduce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta in Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate generous portions of the creamy Alfredo pasta, top with the glazed hot honey balsamic chicken pieces, a dollop of whipped feta cream, and finish with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts chips on the side or sprinkled on top for texture contrast and added flavor.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be used instead of chicken thighs for a leaner protein option.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
- Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor but garlic powder can be used as a quick alternative.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your spice preference.
- Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the Alfredo sauce’s consistency without diluting flavor.
- Brussels sprouts can be swapped for green beans or zucchini if preferred.
