Is there anything more satisfying than digging into a plate of creamy mac and cheese? Actually—yes. Try topping it with sticky, sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken that’s tender, full of flavor, and ridiculously delicious. This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.
I first made this dish on a whim after craving something indulgent but with a little kick. Let’s just say it was love at first bite. The gooey, ultra-cheesy macaroni pairs so perfectly with the bold honey pepper chicken—it’s like they were made for each other. Think of it as the adult version of your favorite childhood dinner, only better.
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a casual dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it doable even on a weeknight. So, let’s dive into the first part of this crave-worthy creation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this two-part masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list—it’s mostly pantry staples!
For the Honey Pepper 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
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
8 ounces macaroni pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
STEP 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. You want the outside to have a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy.
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll be bringing it back into the same skillet later for a big flavor upgrade.
STEP 2: Create the Sticky Honey Pepper Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those tasty bits!), add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
You’re looking for the sauce to thicken just a little—it should coat the back of a spoon without being too sticky. The smell at this point is absolutely mouthwatering. Sweet, tangy, and peppery all at once.
STEP 3: Coat the Chicken in the Sauce
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces—whatever you prefer. Add it back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat every piece in that luscious glaze. Let it all simmer for another minute so the flavors can really soak in. Then, take it off the heat and let it sit while you prep the mac and cheese.
STEP 4: Cook the Macaroni
While the chicken’s soaking up that delicious sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.
If you’re using elbows, shells, or even cavatappi, this part is super flexible. The real star is coming up next: that creamy cheese sauce.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese: Bringing It All Together
Welcome back! Now that your sweet and spicy chicken is resting in that sticky, flavorful glaze and your macaroni is perfectly cooked, it’s time to tackle what might just be the best part—the creamy cheese sauce.
This sauce is rich, smooth, and full of bold cheesy flavor. It’s what ties the whole dish together and makes every bite comfort food heaven. The great part? It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in just a few easy steps. If you’ve never made a homemade cheese sauce before, don’t worry—once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever used boxed mixes.
Let’s get back to the kitchen and finish this meal strong.
STEP 5: Make a Classic Roux
In a clean pot or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute.
This step is important—you’re creating a roux, which is the base of your cheese sauce. Stirring helps remove the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a smooth, creamy finish.
STEP 6: Add the Milk and Thicken the Sauce
Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk (or heavy cream if you’re going for that extra indulgent twist), whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Keep whisking over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
The key here is patience. You want the sauce thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it turns into a paste. Once it reaches that just-right consistency, you’re ready to move on.
STEP 7: Melt in the Cheese
Remove your pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until completely melted and smooth. The combination of sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella creates a balanced flavor with a gooey texture that’s hard to beat.
At this point, taste the sauce and season it with a little salt and pepper as needed. The cheese already adds saltiness, so don’t overdo it—just enough to enhance the flavor.
STEP 8: Toss the Pasta in the Cheese Sauce
Now comes the fun part. Add your drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece of pasta. It should be creamy, rich, and impossible to resist.
If your sauce feels a little too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a minute off the heat and it’ll continue to thicken up.
STEP 9: Plate It Up
To serve, spoon a generous helping of the creamy mac and cheese onto your plate or into a bowl. Then, pile on that sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. The contrast between the cheesy pasta and the bold glaze on the chicken is what makes this dish really special.
Finish it all off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. It adds just the right amount of color and brightness to balance out the richness.
Helpful Tips and Easy Variations
If you’re looking to make this recipe your own, here are a few quick suggestions:
Make it spicier by adding an extra pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.
Go extra cheesy by mixing in some pepper jack or gouda alongside the cheddar and mozzarella.
Add veggies like steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers to the mac and cheese for a bit of crunch and color.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat—they stay super juicy and absorb the glaze beautifully.
Make it ahead by prepping the mac and cheese a few hours in advance. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk before serving.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese: FAQ and Final Thoughts
We’ve walked through every delicious step of this comforting, flavor-packed meal—and now it’s time to answer a few common questions that might come up as you prep this dish. Whether it’s your first time making homemade cheese sauce or you’re wondering how spicy this chicken really gets, these answers will help you feel even more confident in the kitchen.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but with a little care. The chicken can be cooked and stored in the fridge with the glaze, and the mac and cheese can be made in advance as well. Just reheat the mac gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess, and warm the chicken in a skillet before serving.
2. How spicy is the honey pepper chicken?
It’s a mild-to-medium heat level, thanks to the cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can cut the cayenne in half or leave it out entirely. Want more heat? Add an extra pinch or drizzle in a bit of hot sauce.
3. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use shells, rotini, penne, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just be sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up in the cheese sauce.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to help loosen it up again.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese from a block melts more smoothly and gives your sauce a better texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
6. Is there a dairy-free option?
You could substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free cheese shreds. The texture will be a little different, but still creamy and satisfying.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
This recipe is rich and filling on its own, but if you’d like something on the side, a simple green salad or roasted veggies would balance things out nicely.
Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Keeper
If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes—easy to make, packed with flavor, and comforting enough to make your whole table happy—this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a clear winner. It brings together two comfort food favorites in a way that feels both indulgent and homemade.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you want to turn up the heat, play with different cheese blends, or sneak in some veggies, it’s flexible enough to suit your taste without losing what makes it so satisfying.
It’s also the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something a little more special. That perfect balance of spicy-sweet chicken over creamy, dreamy mac and cheese? Yeah, it’s a combo you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
So, give it a try! And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you tweak the sauce? Try a new cheese blend? Leave a comment and share your own delicious twist—I always enjoy hearing how others make this recipe their own.
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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Description
This indulgent comfort food dish balances sweet heat with rich, creamy decadence. Tender chicken glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce pairs perfectly with ultra-cheesy macaroni. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that brings together bold flavor and homestyle warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper 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
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
8 ounces macaroni pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3️⃣ Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, coating each piece evenly with the sweet and spicy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
4️⃣ Meanwhile, cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5️⃣ In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until all the pasta is thoroughly coated.
8️⃣ To serve, spoon the creamy macaroni cheese onto a plate and top it with the glazed honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. For extra richness, consider using heavy cream instead of milk in the cheese sauce. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot and gooey.
