Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or even special occasions. This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe brings together bold flavors and comforting textures that will make every bite a delight. Imagine the rich, gooey goodness of homemade macaroni cheese paired with juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze—it’s truly a match made in culinary heaven!
Introduction
The Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a fusion dish that draws inspiration from a variety of culinary traditions, blending sweet, spicy, and savory flavors for a perfect harmony of taste. Combining the tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken with a sticky honey pepper sauce, this dish creates a complex yet comforting flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with creamy macaroni cheese. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and cheesy, comforting dishes!
For those who love Chick-fil-A’s sweet and tangy flavors, this dish will be your new favorite at-home option. It’s an easy-to-make meal that is guaranteed to please family and friends alike. With ingredients that are easily accessible, you’ll find it straightforward to recreate this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces 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
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese – Step by Step
Step1: Preparing the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Step2: Making the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir the sauce continuously and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the chicken into strips and return them to the skillet.
- Coat the chicken strips thoroughly in the sauce until fully glazed.
Step3: Cooking the Macaroni Pasta
- Boil the macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente (follow package instructions).
- Drain and set the pasta aside.
Step4: Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until a paste forms.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step5: Combining the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
Step6: Serving the Dish
- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- Use freshly grated cheese for the sauce to achieve the creamiest texture.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking.
- When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Taste the sauce before adding salt, as the cheeses may already add enough saltiness.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Pair this dish with:
- A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread to scoop up the extra cheese sauce.
- A glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance out the rich flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 41g
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Calcium: 30% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the macaroni if the sauce thickens too much.
- Avoid freezing, as the cheese sauce may become grainy upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter and plant-based milk, along with vegan cheeses.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk for best results.
- Can I add vegetables to the dish? Yes! Steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers make great additions.
Related Recipes for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Lovers:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread – A Hearty Meal
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – Easy and Tasty
Conclusion
Thank you for exploring this delicious Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe. Give it a try, and let us know in the comments how it turned out or if you have any unique variations! Happy cooking!
PrintSweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe with Macaroni
Description
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or even special occasions. This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe brings together bold flavors and comforting textures that will make every bite a delight. Imagine the rich, gooey goodness of homemade macaroni cheese paired with juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze—it’s truly a match made in culinary heaven!
Ingredients
- 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 Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces 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
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Step 2: Making the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir the sauce continuously and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the chicken into strips and return them to the skillet.
- Coat the chicken strips thoroughly in the sauce until fully glazed.
Step 3: Cooking the Macaroni Pasta
- Boil the macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente (follow package instructions).
- Drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 4: Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until a paste forms.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combining the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
Step 6: Serving the Dish
- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use freshly grated cheese for the sauce to achieve the creamiest texture.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze.
