A perfect blend of flavors and textures, this recipe combines tender, glazed chicken with a sweet and spicy honey-pepper sauce and creamy, comforting macaroni and cheese. It’s an indulgent dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet honey pairs beautifully with the kick of black pepper, perfectly complementing the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or experiment with different cheese varieties.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
For the Macaroni & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve alongside the honey pepper chicken, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for a burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Heat: Incorporate red chili flakes or sriracha into the honey-pepper sauce for extra spice.
- Cheese Blend: Mix sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a more complex cheese sauce.
- Protein Options: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork chops, or tofu.
- Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the mac and cheese for added freshness.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a bit of sauce to keep it moist. For the macaroni, add a splash of milk and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the freezer for short periods.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
What type of cheese works best for the mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Parmesan for added depth.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey pepper sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated before use.
Can I substitute honey with something else?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey.
What pasta shape works best for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi also work well.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure the milk is added gradually, and heat the cheese sauce on low heat while stirring constantly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that balances bold flavors with creamy comfort. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is easy to customize and sure to satisfy. Bring the sweet heat to your table tonight!
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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
For the Macaroni & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve alongside the honey pepper chicken, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for a burst of flavor.
Notes
- Bold Flavors: This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a creamy side, making it an unforgettable comfort meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level, swap proteins, or try different cheese blends for the mac and cheese.
- Meal Pairing: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey pepper sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop, Baking (for mac and cheese if preferred)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (half the recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg