Zingy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Sizzling skillets and mouthwatering aromas fill the kitchen when you whip up this sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese.

Bold flavor combinations dance across your plate, creating a culinary experience that tingles every taste bud.

The honey pepper chicken brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, complemented by the rich, velvety macaroni cheese.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with a glossy, addictive sauce that promises instant satisfaction.

Each bite delivers a remarkable blend of spicy kick and comforting creaminess that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.

The contrast between the zesty chicken and smooth cheese creates a harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible meal and let your dinner become a flavor-packed adventure that satisfies every craving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that enhances chicken's natural taste and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the chicken's exterior.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Magical trio creating sweet, tangy, and umami-rich glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into extraordinary.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated flavor boosters that provide instant depth without chopping fresh ingredients.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces fiery kick, adding exciting heat to the sweet sauce.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic comfort food foundation, select high-quality pasta with good ridges to hold cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides rich, velvety base for cheese sauce, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates smooth thickening agent for silky cheese sauce texture.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps develop sauce's luxurious consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty companions delivering complex, tangy, and stretchy cheese experience.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds bright color and subtle herbal note to finished dish.

Tools You Need for Honey Pepper Chicken and Mac

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making honey pepper sauce with even heat distribution.
• Cooking Pot: Perfect for preparing creamy macaroni cheese and simmering cheese sauce smoothly.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour and milk without lumps and creating silky sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing cooked chicken and chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chicken cutting and herb preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Colander: Drains pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring sauces and mixing ingredients gently.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken with Macaroni

• Chicken Preparation

Select plump chicken breasts and season with aromatic spices to create a flavorful base for the meal.

• Sauce Creation

Craft a tantalizing honey pepper sauce that blends sweet and spicy notes, simmering until it develops a rich, glossy consistency.

• Protein Transformation

Slice the perfectly cooked chicken and bathe it in the luscious sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated with vibrant flavors.

• Pasta Magic

Boil macaroni until tender, creating a soft and inviting foundation for the creamy cheese sauce.

• Cheese Sauce Alchemy

Develop a velvety cheese sauce by gently melting butter, whisking in milk, and incorporating a blend of melty cheeses that create a smooth, luxurious coating.

• Culinary Harmony

Layer the creamy macaroni with the saucy chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that combines sweet, spicy, and cheesy elements into one irresistible meal. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a final touch of brightness and color.

Tips & Flavor Boosters for Honey Pepper Chicken and Mac

• Adjust cayenne pepper levels to match your spice tolerance – start with a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with extra for fiery excitement.
• Experiment with cheese blends like sharp white cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to create unique, deeper flavor profiles that complement the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior, ensuring maximum flavor and a delightful texture with irresistible caramelized edges.
• Marinate chicken in honey pepper sauce overnight for intensified flavor, or prepare components separately and store in refrigerator for easy weeknight dinner assembly within 20 minutes.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for cheese sauce, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the entire dish celiac-friendly without sacrificing taste.

Best Ways to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac

• Spice Up Your Plate: Arrange the honey pepper chicken slices over the creamy macaroni cheese for a stunning visual presentation that combines sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top to add a bright green color and a light, herbal note that cuts through the rich, creamy dish.
• Pair with Simple Sides: Complement the meal with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken and mac and cheese.
• Create a Comfort Food Feast: Serve this dish family-style in a large serving dish, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, satisfying combination of flavors.

How to Store and Reheat the Honey Pepper Chicken Dish

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cheese sauce might separate slightly when thawed, so whisk gently to restore creamy texture upon reheating.
• Reheat Wisely: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture. Revive mac and cheese in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring every 30 seconds.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook cheese sauce and pasta components separately, assembling just before serving to prevent soggy textures and maintain optimal flavor profiles.

Tantalizing Honey Pepper Chicken With Velvety Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey pepper chicken brings bold flavors to classic comfort macaroni and cheese. Zesty peppers and sweet honey glaze create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies cravings and invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz (226 grams) macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473 ml) milk
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, achieving a perfect caramelized exterior.
3. Honey Pepper Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, creating a complex, layered sauce.
4. Sauce Reduction: Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened glaze with concentrated flavors.
5. Chicken and Sauce Integration: Slice chicken diagonally and return to skillet, gently coating each strip with the vibrant honey pepper sauce to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
6. Macaroni Cheese Foundation: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain completely, preparing the base for the creamy cheese sauce.
7. Roux and Cheese Sauce Development: Melt butter, incorporate flour to create a smooth roux, gradually whisk in whole milk, and simmer until the sauce reaches a velvety consistency.
8. Cheese Incorporation: Remove sauce from heat, fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
9. Final Assembly: Combine macaroni with cheese sauce, plate the dish, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh parsley for a visually stunning and delectable meal.

Notes

• Chicken Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat without dryness.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Watch sauce carefully while simmering; it should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy, slightly thick texture without burning.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Flavor Balancing Tip: Adjust honey and cayenne pepper ratio to personalize spice level, creating a custom sweet-heat profile that suits your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American-Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg