If you’re craving a meal that masterfully balances warmth and a touch of sweetness, the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is just what you need. This dish combines tender chicken glazed in a luscious honey pepper sauce with the ultimate comfort of creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite, offering a perfect harmony between spicy undertones and cheesy richness that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients is the secret behind the irresistible taste and texture of this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. Each element contributes something special, from the glaze’s vibrant sweetness and spice to the smooth, velvety cheese sauce that wraps around the macaroni.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up the honey pepper sauce while staying tender and juicy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps in browning the chicken beautifully.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness to the spicy glaze, creating a delightful contrast.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a bit of saltiness to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the glaze with its tangy bite, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Provides warmth and complements the honey’s sweetness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Build savory layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Gives the glaze its signature spicy kick.
- Macaroni pasta: The ideal shape to hold onto creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter: The base for the smooth, rich cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a roux that thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers tangy, bold cheese flavor synonymous with classic mac and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a silky texture in the sauce.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal notes.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat creates the perfect searing environment. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. This sear locks in moisture, guaranteeing tender bites every time. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
Using the same skillet, keep those delicious fond bits stuck to the pan—they build incredible flavor. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer this mixture gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly glossy. This glaze balances sweet, spicy, and tangy elements that complement the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in the Sauce
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips so they can soak up more of that vibrant honey pepper sauce. Return the strips to the skillet and toss until they’re evenly coated. Set aside and keep warm while you prepare the macaroni and cheese.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni Pasta
Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Proper cooking ensures the noodles remain slightly firm, providing the best bite when mixed with the rich cheese sauce. Drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a clean pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cooking this mixture for about one minute removes that raw flour taste while thickening the base. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle heat builds a luscious, velvety base for the cheese to melt into.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. The sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, while mozzarella adds that beautiful, gooey texture. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste for the full comforting effect.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy goodness. This step is where comfort magic happens, building the foundation for your side to stand out alongside the glazed chicken.
Step 8: Plate and Serve
Serve generous spoonfuls of creamy macaroni and cheese onto plates, then top each with strips of the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your plate with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just about aesthetics—it adds a burst of herbal freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, creamy cheese and sweet glaze. For an extra touch, consider a handful of toasted sesame seeds on the chicken for nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
While the macaroni and cheese serves as a substantial side, pairing this meal with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli adds refreshing texture and balances the overall richness. A simple vinaigrette salad cuts through the sweetness and spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the chicken sliced over a macaroni and cheese casserole baked in a deep dish for an indulgent family-style presentation. Or, assemble individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic, cozy feel that’s both charming and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover honey pepper chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness. The chicken sauce stays flavorful, and keeping pasta separate prevents it from becoming overly mushy.
Freezing
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its crispy exterior and warm the sauce evenly. Gently warm the macaroni and cheese on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy and flavorful when cooked in the honey pepper sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce, and ensure the soy sauce you pick is gluten-free to keep those flavors true without any gluten.
How spicy is the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken?
The spice level is moderate and balanced by the honey’s sweetness. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper amount to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can make the honey pepper sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Cooking the chicken and reheating it with the sauce just before serving helps save time without compromising flavor.
What type of cheese works best for the macaroni and cheese?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect duo for this dish—cheddar brings bold flavor while mozzarella lends that creamy melt, but you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack if you’d like.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is pure comfort food magic that brings joy to any meal. It’s a delightful combination that’s easy to make but feels special every time you serve it. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience all the rich, vibrant flavors mingling together on your plate!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served over creamy macaroni and cheese. This comforting dish combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful honey soy glaze with a peppery kick, paired perfectly with rich, cheesy macaroni. A perfect meal for those who love a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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
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
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in 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, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Coat the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken strips in the sauce to coat them evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni: Prepare 8 ounces of macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- For extra spicy heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier texture.
- Use low-fat milk or milk alternatives to reduce calories if desired.
- To save time, cook the macaroni and prepare the cheese sauce while the chicken is simmering in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but it is optional.
