If you are craving a comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor and indulgence, the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. This dish masterfully balances the sweet richness of honey and the bold kick of black pepper alongside tender, juicy chicken. Paired with a luscious, cheesy macaroni, it’s a soul-satisfying combination that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a firm favorite with its irresistible layers of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. From pantry staples to fresh touches, you’ll see how each item transforms the final plate into a memorable feast.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for absorbing the sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce while staying tender.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and adding depth to the sauce.
- Honey: The sweet cornerstone of the sauce, balancing heat and tang.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that enhances the overall balance of the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
- Ground black pepper: Packs the signature heat that defines the dish’s sweet and spicy profile.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These bring warmth and depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Ground cayenne pepper: A small but mighty addition that delivers a gentle fiery kick.
- Macaroni pasta: The foundation of the creamy macaroni cheese, providing satisfying bite and texture.
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a silky smooth finish.
- Milk: Makes the cheese sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Boosts the sharp, tangy cheese flavor that macaroni cheese lovers adore.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds irresistible meltiness and a luscious stretch to the sauce.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the sauce and macaroni cheese.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken captures all those lovely browned bits. Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Simmer everything together, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens just slightly to become syrupy and glossy. This flavorful sauce will coat the chicken with a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy notes.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then toss them gently in the honey pepper sauce. This ensures every morsel is infused with the luscious glaze that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Meanwhile, boil the macaroni pasta in salted water following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside, ready to be enveloped by creamy cheese.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating the rich heart of the macaroni cheese.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure each piece of pasta is luxuriously coated. Plate the creamy macaroni cheese alongside or beneath the honey pepper chicken slices. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped parsley is perfect to freshen this hearty dish. You could also add a few red chili flakes for extra heat or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a filling meal on its own, a crisp side salad or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or green beans work beautifully to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make great additions for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey pepper chicken on top of a cheesy macaroni nest using a ring mold, making each plate look restaurant-worthy. Alternatively, create mini chicken and macaroni cheese casseroles in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and macaroni cheese separate if possible to preserve the perfect texture of each component.
Freezing
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat the macaroni cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. Warm the honey pepper chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to keep its delicious glaze intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier with this sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the honey pepper sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with the cooked chicken to preserve its flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best in the macaroni cheese?
Sharp cheddar adds the perfect tang and punch of flavor while mozzarella gives a creamy meltiness. You can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a different twist.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The dish has a mild to medium spicy kick thanks to the black and cayenne pepper. If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne slightly or add chili flakes; for milder taste, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe that hits all the comfort food cravings. The delightful mix of flavors and textures makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy every bite!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served with creamy macaroni cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breasts are pan-cooked and coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, accompanied by rich, cheesy macaroni, creating a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 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
For the Macaroni Cheese
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces in the honey pepper sauce until well coated. Keep warm.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated. Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top or accompany with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the honey pepper sauce.
- Use full-fat milk for a richer cheese sauce, or substitute with a lower-fat option if preferred.
- For a smoother cheese sauce, shred the cheese finely.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through for safety and juiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
