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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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