Are you ready to indulge in a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with comforting textures? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is all about harmony. The honey pepper chicken brings a delightful mix of sweetness and heat, while the macaroni cheese delivers creamy, cheesy goodness. Together, they create a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Plus, it’s versatile! You can tweak the spice level, experiment with different cheeses, or even make it gluten-free with a few simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): 2
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1/2 cup
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- Macaroni pasta: 8 ounces
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Parsley, chopped: for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop its sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a pot over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in gooey deliciousness.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate the creamy macaroni cheese as a base and top it with slices of honey pepper chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ingredient Quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can make all the difference in flavor. Opt for organic chicken and artisan cheeses if possible.
- Marination: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey pepper sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda or blue cheese for unique flavor twists.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or skip it altogether. For extra spice lovers, add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade or sprinkle chili flakes over the finished dish.
- Gluten-Free Options: To make this dish gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta and soy sauce. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch for the cheese sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this rich dish with a light side like a cucumber salad or steamed green beans to balance out the flavors.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating macaroni cheese, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Why This Dish Stands Out
This recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one unforgettable meal. The sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken adds excitement to every bite, while the creamy macaroni cheese provides a familiar sense of warmth and indulgence. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!
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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
This recipe for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting textures. It combines the heat and sweetness of honey pepper chicken with the rich, gooey goodness of homemade macaroni cheese.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: 2
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1/2 cup
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Macaroni pasta: 8 ounces
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Parsley, chopped: for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium and cook chicken until golden, about 6–7 minutes each side. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Combine: Slice chicken into strips, return to skillet, and coat with sauce.
Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pot, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and blend in cheeses until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix macaroni with cheese sauce.
Serve: Plate macaroni cheese, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients where possible. Organic chicken and artisan cheeses can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.
Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are suggested, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or a touch of blue cheese for an added depth of flavor.
Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of ground cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade if you like it extra spicy.
Gluten-Free Options: To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that all packaged ingredients, such as soy sauce and pasta, are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestion: Serve hot, and consider adding a light, refreshing side such as a cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they reheat well in the microwave or oven. Add a little milk when reheating the macaroni cheese to keep it creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 675 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
