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 hot honey balsamic sauce, creamy Parmesan Alfredo pasta, and a tangy whipped feta topping. Roasted Brussels sprouts add a crispy, savory chip element, making this meal perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Glaze
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (or chicken breast for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup Hot Honey (or regular honey with chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced or garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter (or olive oil)
Alfredo Pasta
- 8 oz Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (any pasta shape)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
Whipped Feta
- 4 oz Feta Cheese (or cream cheese)
- 2 oz Cream Cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Chips
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (or green beans or zucchini)
- 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 with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Prepare Whipped Feta: Combine feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill while you finish other preparations.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Before draining, reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Hot Honey Balsamic Glaze: In the same skillet used for chicken, add hot honey and balsamic vinegar. Reduce the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, mixing gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce to desired consistency.
- Plate and Serve: Serve the creamy pasta topped with glazed chicken pieces and a generous dollop of whipped feta. Finish with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts chips on the side for texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breast for thighs for a leaner protein option.
- Regular honey with chili flakes can be used if hot honey is unavailable.
- Red wine vinegar can replace balsamic vinegar if needed.
- Half-and-half can be swapped for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Try nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese.
- Green beans or zucchini are good alternatives to Brussels sprouts for roasting.
- Olive oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option during cooking.
