Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and coarse black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the glaze and cook through (2-3 minutes). Add the drained rotini and toss everything together. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in the fresh parsley, serve immediately, and garnish with extra parsley.
Notes
Don't Skip the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is full of starch, which helps the sauce emulsify and adhere to the pasta.
Dry Your Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is critical for getting a beautiful, golden-brown sear.
Use Coarse Black Pepper: The texture and more potent flavor of coarsely ground pepper are essential to this dish.
Control Your Heat: Avoid burning the garlic, as it will make the sauce bitter.
Dry Your Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is critical for getting a beautiful, golden-brown sear.
Use Coarse Black Pepper: The texture and more potent flavor of coarsely ground pepper are essential to this dish.
Control Your Heat: Avoid burning the garlic, as it will make the sauce bitter.
