Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
A delightful combination of honey-spiced chicken and creamy macaroni cheese, perfect for family dinners or cozy meals.
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.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference.