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.