Print

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a delightful and comforting dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Tender chicken glazed in a sticky honey-pepper sauce pairs beautifully with rich, velvety macaroni and cheese, making it a satisfying meal for family and friends. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create an irresistible meal that’s easy to prepare and highly versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Glaze

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (for searing)

Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat oil in a hot skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, pour in the honey and add freshly ground black pepper. Stir constantly over medium heat until a thick, sticky glaze forms. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coat it thoroughly with the glaze, and let it caramelize slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes while whisking continuously. Slowly add the milk in small increments, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and garlic powder.
  5. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat each piece evenly with the creamy cheddar mixture.
  6. Serve Together: Plate the honey pepper glazed chicken alongside a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your meal hot and comforting.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the most flavorful and aromatic glaze.
  • Do not overcook the macaroni to keep it al dente for best texture.
  • Prepare the roux carefully by cooking the butter and flour just right to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
  • Let the glazed chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors deepen and the glaze sets.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best melt and flavor for the mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Cheesy Macaroni, Family Dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/honey-pepper-chicken-with-mac-and-cheese/