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