Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac Cheese Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that breaks the monotony of bland meals.

Bold flavors dance across your plate, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Crispy chicken coated in a glossy honey glaze brings excitement to traditional comfort food.

Creamy macaroni provides the perfect canvas for this delectable protein masterpiece.

Pepper notes add a subtle kick that keeps each bite interesting and dynamic.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Craveable — Here’s Why We Love It

• Savor Flavor-Packed Fusion: Combines sweet honey and spicy pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend of tastes that dance on your palate.
• Master Culinary Skills: Offers an approachable recipe that allows home cooks to develop cooking techniques like making a roux, creating pan sauces, and perfectly seasoning dishes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Transforms classic chicken and mac and cheese into an exciting meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals craving a delicious homemade meal.

What Goes Into Honey Pepper Chicken Mac That’s So Addictive

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the foundation of this delicious meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Aromatic spices that add depth and a subtle kick to the dish.

• Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a glossy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, umami flavor that complements the sweetness of honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sweet and spicy sauce.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Butter, Flour: Key ingredients for creating a smooth and thick roux as the base of the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich and indulgent sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and providing a light, healthy cooking medium.

How to Make This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Dream Happen

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and becomes fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Craft the Glaze

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce until it becomes thick and glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet.

Toss the chicken in the spicy-sweet glaze, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the macaroni and cook until tender but still firm, around 8 minutes.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Merge Pasta and Cheese

Fold the drained macaroni into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the creamy macaroni onto plates. Top with the honey pepper chicken strips.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.

Quick Fixes & Flavor Boosts for This Cheesy Chicken Combo

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat tolerance for a personalized spice level that suits your palate.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for a richer, more complex cheese sauce flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent drying out.

Shake Things Up with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Ideas

• Smoky Southwest Chicken: Replace honey with chipotle sauce and add smoked paprika for a southwestern flavor profile. Top macaroni with pepper jack cheese and garnish with cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar, add oregano and thyme to the sauce. Sprinkle feta cheese over macaroni and garnish with fresh basil.
• Korean-Inspired Gochujang Chicken: Substitute honey with gochujang paste for a spicy-sweet Korean kick. Add sesame oil to the sauce and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Caribbean Jerk Chicken: Incorporate jerk seasoning into the chicken marinade, use rum instead of apple cider vinegar.

What Pairs Perfectly with This Bold Chicken Mac Mix

• Perfectly Pair Spicy Sweet Chicken and Creamy Mac Cheese
• – Crisp Riesling Companion: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with balanced acidity to complement the honey's sweetness and cut through the chicken's spiciness, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• – Fresh Arugula Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of rich mac and cheese and spicy chicken.
• – Pickled Vegetable Accent: Add quick-pickled red onions or cucumber slices to introduce a bright, acidic element that helps cleanse the mouth and enhances the dish's complex flavor profile.

Keeping Your Chicken Mac & Cheese Delicious Tomorrow

• Refrigerate: Store chicken and mac cheese separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Chicken and mac cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of milk to mac cheese to restore creaminess. Heat chicken and mac cheese separately in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat, adding extra sauce to prevent drying.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac FAQ Cheat Sheet

• What makes the honey pepper sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey with tangy apple cider vinegar and spicy cayenne pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the chicken?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper to match your personal heat tolerance. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.

• What type of cheese works best for the macaroni?

Cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy, rich cheese sauce. You can experiment with other melting cheeses like monterey jack or gruyere for slightly different flavor profiles.

• Is this dish considered a complete meal?

Yes, the recipe combines protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and dairy from the cheese sauce, making it a well-balanced and satisfying one-plate meal.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honey pepper chicken mingles with creamy macaroni cheese in a perfect culinary dance of flavors. Spicy, sweet, and comforting, this dish delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Chicken Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

Honey Pepper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni pasta
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Pasta Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, cooking chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest momentarily while preparing sauce.
4. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
5. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reduces and thickens, developing a glossy consistency.
6. Slice cooked chicken into elegant strips and return to skillet, coating thoroughly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
7. Simultaneously, boil salted water in a large pot and cook macaroni until perfectly al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
8. Drain pasta and set aside while preparing cheese sauce.
9. Melt butter in a separate pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
10. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
11. Remove from heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
12. Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
13. Gently fold drained macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
14. Plate creamy macaroni cheese as a base, then top with honey pepper chicken strips.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount for personal spice tolerance.
• Ensure Chicken Juiciness by not overcooking, using meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in cheese sauce.
• Enhance Cheese Sauce Smoothness by grating cheese fresh and adding gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg