Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with rich, creamy macaroni cheese brings the ultimate comfort meal to your table. The chicken is tender and coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweet heat, while the macaroni is decadently cheesy and smooth. It’s a dish that feels special but is easy enough to make for a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pieces evenly in the sauce. Keep warm while preparing the macaroni cheese.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
To serve, plate a portion of the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with slices of the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
If you prefer an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce. For an even creamier macaroni, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side.