If you love dishes that perfectly balance zingy heat with smooth creaminess, then you are absolutely going to adore this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe. The combination of tender chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet and peppery sauce alongside a luscious, cheesy mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. It’s a crowd-pleaser packed with layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds every time. Let me take you through every step so you can create this irresistible pairing in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature depth and making each bite unforgettable, from the spices that season the chicken to the cheeses that melt into velvety mac and cheese.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect base, they cook quickly and soak up all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Olive oil: A light oil that helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a sharp bite that complements the sweetness of honey beautifully.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that’s both warm and deep.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Key aromatics that build the savory foundation.
- Cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
- Salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Honey: Gives the chicken its gorgeous glaze with natural sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tang that cuts through richness.
- Soy sauce: Contributes umami depth to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Lends a gentle tang and sharpness that ties the sauce together.
- Butter: Essential for a creamy and rich roux base in the mac and cheese.
- Elbow macaroni: The ultimate comfort pasta shape, perfect for holding onto cheesy sauce.
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess that transforms the mac and cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharpness and meltiness for authentic mac and cheese flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra creaminess and stretch.
- Ground mustard and garlic powder: For seasoning the cheese sauce to perfection.
- Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce while keeping it silky smooth.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; this will give your chicken a beautiful sear. While the oil heats, generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. These spices come together to create an aromatic and flavorful crust that’s the hallmark of the sweet and spicy profile.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook them for 6 to 7 minutes per side. The goal is a golden-brown exterior with a juicy, fully cooked interior. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest, locking in those delicious juices while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sticky Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, don’t clean out the browned bits—they’re full of flavor. Add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine and scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. As it thickens, the sauce transforms into a luscious glaze waiting to coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken with the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sticky sauce over each piece. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to create an even, glossy, sweet and spicy glaze that will make your mouth water before the first bite.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni Al Dente
While your chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender but still slightly firm to the bite — about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside for the final mac and cheese assembly.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens into a velvety base. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted, and season with ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the silky heart of your creamy mac and cheese.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into your homemade cheese sauce, tossing gently to make sure every piece is coated in rich, cheesy goodness. This is what makes the mac and cheese so irresistibly creamy and comforting — a perfect match for the bold chicken.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the dish. Their fresh green color adds a pop to the presentation and a subtle freshness that balances the richness perfectly. A light dusting of extra black pepper can enhance the spicy notes from the chicken glaze.
Side Dishes
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is hearty on its own, but feel free to add a crisp side salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for some crunch and contrast. Light vinaigrettes or citrusy dressings pair especially well, cutting through the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style on a large platter for a rustic, inviting feel that encourages sharing. Alternatively, plating the chicken and mac and cheese separately with a drizzle of extra sauce on top creates a restaurant-quality presentation. If you want to impress, top the mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs broiled until golden for added texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken glazed with sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce and creamy mac and cheese can be stored safely in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain texture—especially the mac and cheese, which stays creamier when heated alone.
Freezing
Both components freeze well. Place the chicken and mac and cheese in separate freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to let them cool completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, spooning extra sauce over it if needed. Reheat the mac and cheese on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat slowly so it doesn’t dry out or separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy under the sticky honey pepper glaze. Just adjust cooking time slightly, cooking until thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely. You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to both the chicken seasoning and the honey sauce. Just taste as you go to get your preferred heat level.
Can I substitute the cheeses in the mac and cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina for unique flavor twists. Just be sure they melt well to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk alternative like oat or almond milk. For cheese substitutes, try vegan shredded cheese blends that melt nicely. The chicken recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it holds up well over a few days and freezes beautifully. Portion it out into containers for grab-and-go meals that still feel indulgent.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe a try. From the moment you take your first bite, the blend of flavors and textures will feel like a warm, delicious hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit that brings comfort and joy with every forkful.
Print
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 1h 00m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. The chicken breasts are seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, then coated in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy honey pepper sauce. The creamy mac and cheese made with cheddar and mozzarella provides a rich, velvety side that complements the vibrant flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to build the base flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook approximately 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring to mix.
- Scrape the pan: Stir the sauce ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom for extra flavor.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Coat the chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them thoroughly in the honey pepper sauce.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure an even glaze.
- Boil pasta water: While chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil in preparation for cooking the macaroni.
- Cook macaroni: Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 7-8 minutes.
- Drain pasta: Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
- Make roux: In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux base.
- Add milk: Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Thicken sauce: Continue whisking and cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add cheeses: Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season cheese sauce: Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to enhance the flavor.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference for mild or extra heat.
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% milk for a lighter cheese sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor over pre-shredded options.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting flour in the roux with a gluten-free alternative and using gluten-free pasta.
