Hot Honey Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Tenders:
• 454 g chicken tenderloins
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp creole seasoning
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to spice)
• 1 tsp all purpose seasoning
• 1 sazon packet
• 1–2 cups buttermilk
• 30 ml jalapeño or pickle juice
• 720 ml all-purpose flour (season with same seasonings)
• Hot Honey Sauce:
• 120 ml buffalo sauce
• 60 ml honey
• 30 ml hot sauce (optional)
• Pasta:
• 454 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
• 360 ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp creole seasoning
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp all purpose seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Grated mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Steps

1. 1

   Season chicken tenderloins, add in buttermilk and jalapeño/pickle juice, then marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

2. 2

   Coat chicken in seasoned flour, set aside on a wire rack, and rest for 10 minutes before frying.

3. 3

   Fry at 177°C until golden brown and crispy. Set aside and let cool on a wire rack.

4. 4

   In a saucepan, add 1 tbsp of unsalted butter, buffalo sauce, honey, and hot sauce, and simmer until fully combined. Then toss the chicken in the hot honey sauce.

5. 5

   In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in all seasonings.

6. 6

   Add mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy, then toss in cooked pasta.

7. 7

   Top the creamy pasta with the hot honey chicken and extra sauce if desired, and enjoy.