Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Creamy Mac Recipe

Honey pepper chicken elevates ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences that tantalize taste buds.

Complex flavor combinations elevate this protein-packed dish beyond standard meal preparations.

Vibrant seasonings dance across tender meat, creating an irresistible balance between sweet warmth and spicy undertones.

Kitchen enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such remarkable results.

Culinary magic happens when carefully selected spices blend seamlessly with golden honey natural richness.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of sophisticated yet approachable taste sensations.

Comfort meets excitement in this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees satisfied smiles around the dinner table.

Why Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Delivers Big Flavor

• Flavor Symphony: Experience a perfect blend of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and spicy cayenne that creates an explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Texture Magic: Enjoy the crispy golden chicken contrasting with the silky smooth, creamy macaroni cheese – a delightful play of textures that makes each mouthful exciting.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic American comfort food (mac and cheese) with a zesty chicken topping that will satisfy both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary dinner into something special.

Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides a spicy kick to the overall dish.

• Honey: Sweet component that balances the spiciness and creates a glossy coating.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce, creating a rich flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tanginess and helps to balance the sweetness of honey.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Combination of cheeses that creates a rich, melty, and flavorful sauce.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, fresh flavor to the dish.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Season Chicken

• Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken breasts.
• Pat seasonings evenly across the surface.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create Honey Pepper Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Mix all sauce ingredients in the same skillet.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

• Slice cooked chicken into strips.
• Return chicken to skillet.
• Toss chicken to coat completely with honey pepper sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Macaroni

• Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions.
• Drain pasta thoroughly.

Step 6: Make Cheese Sauce

• Melt butter in a separate pot over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
• Simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).

Step 7: Finish Cheese Sauce

• Remove pot from heat.
• Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
• Mix until sauce becomes smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Assemble Dish

• Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
• Top macaroni with honey pepper chicken.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Honey Pepper Chicken and Macaroni

• Butterfly the Chicken: Create even thickness by gently pounding chicken breasts between plastic wrap for uniform cooking and tender results.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Prevent Cheese Sauce Lumps: Whisk milk slowly into flour mixture and stir constantly to ensure smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken rest in honey pepper sauce for 5 minutes before serving to enhance taste absorption.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain silky consistency.

How to Store Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni

• Refrigeration: Store chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cooling completely prevents bacterial growth and maintains flavor quality.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm sliced chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Reheating Mac and Cheese: Reheat pasta in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.

Pairings for Honey Pepper Chicken and Macaroni

• Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. These white wines complement the dish's complex flavor profile, cutting through the richness of the creamy mac and cheese.
• Elevate with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the bold flavors. The beer's bitterness and carbonation will contrast beautifully with the sweet and spicy chicken, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Design a Refreshing Cocktail Match: Mix a classic whiskey sour or a ginger-infused cocktail to enhance the meal's dynamic flavors. The citrusy and slightly spicy notes will harmonize with the honey pepper sauce and creamy cheese.
• Create a Non-Alcoholic Delight: Prepare a sparkling passion fruit mocktail or a ginger-lime spritzer. These vibrant drinks will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory chicken and creamy macaroni cheese.

Variations on Honey Pepper Chicken and Macaroni Cheese

• Spicy Caribbean Chicken Mac: Replace cayenne with Caribbean jerk seasoning. Add diced bell peppers and green onions for tropical flavor complexity.
• Ranch-Style Honey Chicken Mac: Substitute soy sauce with ranch dressing. Incorporate crispy bacon bits and ranch seasoning into cheese sauce for a creamy southwestern profile.
• Mediterranean Herbed Chicken Mac: Use oregano and thyme instead of black pepper. Mix feta cheese into mac and cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
• Smoky BBQ Honey Chicken Mac: Replace honey pepper sauce with smoky BBQ sauce. Add smoked paprika to cheese sauce. Garnish with crispy fried onions for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Sweet And Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese blends bold flavors for a Southern-inspired comfort meal. Crispy chicken glazed with honey and pepper dances alongside rich, velvety mac and cheese, creating a perfect balance of heat and creamy indulgence that will satisfy your deepest cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni pasta
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Base:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Carefully season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then gently place chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest briefly while preparing the sauce.
4. In the same skillet, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, whisking ingredients together.
5. Simmer sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it reduces and becomes slightly thickened and glossy.
6. Slice chicken breasts into diagonal strips and return to the skillet, gently tossing to coat thoroughly with the honey pepper sauce.
7. In a large pot, cook macaroni pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain completely.
8. Melt unsalted butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat, then sprinkle in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
9. Gradually whisk whole milk into the roux, ensuring no lumps form, and simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety, approximately 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove cheese sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Fold cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
12. Plate the mac and cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken briefly with salt and pepper for deeper flavor infusion before cooking.
• Use high-quality honey for a richer, more complex sweet and spicy sauce.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance for customized spice level.
• Shred cheese yourself instead of pre-packaged for smoother, more creamy mac and cheese texture.
• Allow cheese sauce to rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to achieve optimal consistency.
• Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness of chicken and creaminess of macaroni.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg