Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Paired with creamy homemade macaroni and cheese, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 8 ounces macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for macaroni cheese)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce. Toss to coat evenly, then set aside.
5. Step 5: Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
7. Step 7: Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
10. Step 10: Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use smoked paprika instead of cayenne for a smoky flavor variation.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Add steamed broccoli or peas to the macaroni cheese for added veggies and color.

Storage

Store leftover honey pepper chicken and macaroni cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini works well with the cheese sauce and chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, perfectly paired with creamy homemade macaroni and cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful dish combines a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes with a rich cheesy pasta side, making it a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 1/4 tsp Ground cayenne pepper

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

• 8 ounces Macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
2. Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and becomes a glossy sauce.
3. Finish the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce and toss gently to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Macaroni and Cheese: Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and continually stir for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated. Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese, then top it with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright and fresh finish. Serve immediately to enjoy warm and comforting flavors.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make the sauce more or less spicy to suit your taste.
• For extra richness, use whole milk when making the cheese sauce.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the roux.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Easy Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Comfort Food