Introduction
Are you ready for a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of sweetness? Look no further than Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese! This hearty dish is perfect for cozy dinners with family or gatherings with friends. The tender chicken is infused with a delightful sweet and spicy glaze, while the creamy macaroni cheese provides a comforting, cheesy counterpart that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. It’s suitable for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings and delights both kids and adults. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find it’s never been easier to create a delightful dinner that feels special.
A Delectable, Comforting Dish
At the heart of this dish are the juicy, boneless chicken breasts that get a flavorful makeover with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices results in a mouthwatering layer of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken’s natural taste. The creamy macaroni cheese brings in a rich texture and a cheesy goodness that makes every bite comforting. Together, these elements create a heartwarming meal that satisfies those comfort food cravings.
Perfect for Gatherings
Looking for a showstopper for your next family meal? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is ideal! It’s impressive enough to serve guests while remaining accessible and easy to prepare. Plus, the distinct flavors make it a crowd favorite—everyone will go back for seconds!
Quick and Easy
Who doesn’t love a recipe that is both quick and easy? This one requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious meal in no time!
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Mini Tip: To keep the chicken juicy, you can marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, honey, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Then, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Mini Tip: If you like it spicier, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper!
Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Coat the chicken strips in the thick glaze and set aside.
Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, boil 8 ounces of macaroni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt two tablespoons of butter, then stir in two tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Gradually add two cups of milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Once thickened, blend in two cups of sharp cheddar cheese and one cup of mozzarella cheese until the cheese is fully melted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
Serve: Plate the macaroni cheese, top it with the honey pepper chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color!
Ingredients
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 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Slice chicken into strips and coat with sauce.
- Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a pot, stir in flour, and whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thick, then blend in cheeses.
- Mix macaroni with cheese sauce.
- Plate macaroni cheese, top with chicken, and garnish with parsley.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrients. To enhance the presentation, consider garnishing with finely chopped parsley or even sliced green onions.
How to Store Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Storing leftovers is easy! This dish can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions—just label the containers with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are delicious, adding gouda or pepper jack can give it an extra dimension of flavor.
For Extra Spice: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken sauce for a kick!
Quick Cooking Tip: If you’re short on time, you can opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and just toss it in the honey sauce for a quick dinner solution.
Variations
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for roasted vegetables or tofu marinated in the same honey pepper sauce.
Extra Veggies: Add some peas or chopped spinach to the macaroni cheese for more nutrients.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can work great! Just cook it until it’s browned and then add it to the sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute in the cheese sauce.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to your dining table. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Give it a try, and watch as your loved ones come back for seconds—this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again!