Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese—flavor-packed comfort food perfect for family dinners, parties, or indulgent cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet honey pairs beautifully with the kick of black pepper, perfectly complementing the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or experiment with different cheese varieties.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Macaroni & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve alongside the honey pepper chicken, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for a burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Heat: Incorporate red chili flakes or sriracha into the honey-pepper sauce for extra spice.
- Cheese Blend: Mix sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a more complex cheese sauce.
- Protein Options: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork chops, or tofu.
- Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the mac and cheese for added freshness.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a bit of sauce to keep it moist. For the macaroni, add a splash of milk and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the freezer for short periods.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
What type of cheese works best for the mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Parmesan for added depth.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey pepper sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated before use.
Can I substitute honey with something else?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey.
What pasta shape works best for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi also work well.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure the milk is added gradually, and heat the cheese sauce on low heat while stirring constantly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that balances bold flavors with creamy comfort. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is easy to customize and sure to satisfy. Bring the sweet heat to your table tonight!
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Crave
If this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese hit all the right flavor notes, you’ll love these equally satisfying and easy-to-make dishes:
- Looking for another bold and cheesy dish? This Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole brings together melty cheese and savory beef in one bubbling bake.
- For a cozy classic with a twist, try our Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy — it’s indulgent and unforgettable.
- Need something rich and portable? These Cheesy Garlic Toast Pizzas are fun to make and perfect for the whole family.
- Want to spice things up on a budget? Don’t miss our Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese — the perfect mashup of comfort food favorites.
- Craving baked comfort in a skillet? This One-Pot Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole balances creamy rice and bold flavors with minimal cleanup.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese—flavor-packed comfort food perfect for family dinners, parties, or indulgent cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Macaroni & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve alongside the honey pepper chicken, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for a burst of flavor.
Notes
- Bold Flavors: This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a creamy side, making it an unforgettable comfort meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level, swap proteins, or try different cheese blends for the mac and cheese.
- Meal Pairing: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey pepper sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop, Baking (for mac and cheese if preferred)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (half the recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg