Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a flavor-packed fusion that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe brings together the fiery warmth of seasoned honey-glazed chicken and the soothing richness of creamy, cheesy macaroni for a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Bold & Balanced: The heat of pepper meets sweet honey and cheesy comfort.
• Perfect Combo: Crispy glazed chicken meets ultra-creamy macaroni.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both components store and reheat well.

Time Needed

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• 8 oz macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp 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

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.
• In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken until golden on both sides (6-7 minutes per side). Set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

• In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
• Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Slice cooked chicken and return to skillet, coating in sauce.

3️⃣ Make the Macaroni Cheese

• Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until smooth. Season to taste.
• Stir in cooked pasta.

4️⃣ Serve

• Plate creamy macaroni cheese.
• Top with honey pepper chicken strips.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swaps: Try Gouda or provolone for a twist.
• Make It Spicier: Add a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• Add Veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli or a green salad.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Whether you’re cooking for the family or craving a rich, satisfying meal, this dish delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and unforgettable taste. Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests—this recipe is a keeper.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a flavor-packed fusion that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe brings together the fiery warmth of seasoned honey-glazed chicken and the soothing richness of creamy, cheesy macaroni for a satisfying contrast in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 8 oz macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp 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

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken until golden on both sides (6–7 minutes per side). Set aside.
2. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Slice cooked chicken and return to skillet, coating in sauce.
3. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until smooth. Season to taste. Stir in cooked pasta.
4. Plate creamy macaroni cheese. Top with honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Try swapping cheddar for Gouda or provolone. Add hot sauce for extra heat. Serve with broccoli or salad for balance. Marinate chicken overnight to deepen flavor. Great for make-ahead dinners and meal prep.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Macaroni Cheese, comfort food, sweet and spicy, weeknight dinner