why make this recipe
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a fantastic choice for a family meal or a cozy dinner. The chicken is coated in a delightful mix of honey and spices, giving it a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy macaroni cheese. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
how to make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Ingredients:
- 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
- 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
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce. Coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- To serve, plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley.
how to serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Serve this dish hot, with the creamy macaroni and cheese on the plate, topped with the flavorful honey pepper chicken. A side salad or some steamed vegetables can complement the meal well.
how to store Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- Make sure to slice the chicken against the grain for tenderness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste if you prefer it sweeter or spicier.
- You can use any type of pasta you have on hand for the macaroni cheese.
variation
You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the macaroni cheese for added flavor and nutrition. For a healthier version, consider grilling the chicken instead of frying.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used as they are juicier and have more flavor.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for the macaroni cheese?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour to make the cheese sauce.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce ahead of time and just combine and heat when ready to serve.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces 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 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
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce.
- Coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
Cooking the Macaroni
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
Serving the Dish
- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with the honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
