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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauce Reduction: Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened glaze with concentrated flavors.
- 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.
- Macaroni Cheese Foundation: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain completely, preparing the base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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