Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a perfect blend of bold, sweet heat and rich, cheesy comfort. The chicken is coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze with a touch of cayenne for just the right kick, while the macaroni cheese delivers a silky, cheesy base that balances the flavors beautifully. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and great for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 2️⃣ In the same skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3️⃣ Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet. Toss the chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce to coat evenly. Set aside and keep warm.
- 4️⃣ Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 5️⃣ In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- 6️⃣ Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7️⃣ Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- 8️⃣ To serve, plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic powder for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level. For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey pepper sauce. If you like a crispier texture on the chicken, lightly flour it before pan-frying.