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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest momentarily while preparing sauce.
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reduces and thickens, developing a glossy consistency.
- Slice cooked chicken into elegant strips and return to skillet, coating thoroughly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Simultaneously, boil salted water in a large pot and cook macaroni until perfectly al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside while preparing cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a separate pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Remove from heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
- Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Gently fold drained macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Plate creamy macaroni cheese as a base, then top with honey pepper chicken strips.
- 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