There’s something about a plate loaded with creamy macaroni cheese and sticky, sweet, spicy chicken that just makes a day instantly better. This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe brings all the best comfort food vibes straight to your kitchen, without needing anything fancy or complicated.

I actually stumbled upon this combo after a long week when all I craved was something cozy and satisfying. You know those nights where you just need a big, cheesy bowl of something delicious? That’s exactly how this recipe was born! The creamy mac and cheese by itself is pure heaven, but when you add the sticky honey pepper chicken on top… wow. It’s next-level comfort food, friends.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, trying to impress your family with a weekend dinner, or just need a little extra joy at the end of a regular Tuesday, this meal delivers every time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but definitely feels a little special too — exactly the kind of recipes we all need in our back pockets!

Let’s dive right in because trust me, you’ll want to be making this sooner rather than later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the 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

STEP 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken sizzling! Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, add the chicken and cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden crust and making sure it’s cooked all the way through.

Once the chicken is done, go ahead and remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet though — we’re going to build all that sweet and spicy flavor right in there!

STEP 2: Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

In the same skillet (because flavor!), combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken slightly and smell absolutely incredible.

STEP 3: Coat the Chicken

Now, slice your cooked chicken into strips and toss them back into the skillet. Stir them around until each piece is coated with that sticky, spicy honey pepper glaze. Keep the heat low so everything stays warm while we whip up the macaroni cheese. Trust me, this part is hard to resist sneaking a few bites!

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Alright, now that our chicken is happily soaking up all that sweet and spicy goodness, it’s time to move on to what might just be the best part of this whole meal — the creamy, cheesy macaroni!

This mac and cheese isn’t just any ordinary recipe. It’s luxuriously creamy, packed with sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella, and comes together so easily that you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the boxed stuff. The secret is all in the sauce — a simple, homemade cheese sauce that clings to every single piece of pasta. Let’s get right to it.

STEP 4: Cook the Macaroni Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. You don’t want it too soft because it will soak up the cheesy sauce later and keep just the right amount of bite.

Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. A little drizzle of olive oil can keep it from sticking together if you’re worried about that.

STEP 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Now, in a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is fully melted and just starting to bubble, whisk in the flour. Keep whisking and cook the flour for about one minute — this step is important because it gets rid of that raw flour taste and gives you a silky, rich base for your sauce.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Don’t rush this part! Gradually adding the milk helps you avoid lumps and makes the sauce incredibly smooth. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly thickened.

STEP 6: Add the Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and stir in your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is completely melted and the sauce is luscious and creamy. Season it with a little salt and pepper to taste.

At this point, the sauce is so good you might just want to grab a spoon and dig in. But hold on — it gets even better.

STEP 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked macaroni right into that dreamy cheese sauce and stir it all together until every single piece of pasta is coated. It should look glossy, creamy, and just downright irresistible.

If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy (and who doesn’t?), you can stir in a splash of heavy cream at this point. That’s one of my favorite little tricks for those extra special dinners when I really want to impress.

Serving It Up

Now comes the best part — putting it all together!
Scoop a generous helping of the creamy macaroni cheese onto your plate. Then, top it with a few strips of that sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. A sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top adds a nice pop of color and a little fresh flavor that balances all the richness perfectly.

This meal looks like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant, but it’s made right at home with simple ingredients. And the best part? Everyone who tries it will be begging for seconds!