Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy Macaroni & Cheese. A delightful dish that brings together tender chicken coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze and velvety macaroni in a rich cheddar cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry, Simmer, Boil
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Pepper 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe
