The Sweet Symphony: Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Mac Recipe

Craving a culinary adventure that blends sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese?

This mouthwatering fusion promises an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken pieces marinate in a tantalizing honey-pepper glaze, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Paired with luxuriously smooth macaroni cheese, each bite delivers comfort and excitement simultaneously.

You will adore how easily this dish comes together, combining familiar ingredients in an unexpected way.

Comfort food just got a delicious upgrade that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to become the star chef of your dinner table with this irresistible recipe!

Why Sweet And Spicy Chicken Mac Is Amazing

• Quick Weeknight Dish: Prepare this satisfying meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The familiar mac and cheese paired with tangy-sweet chicken appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be happy and well-fed.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by adjusting spice levels or using alternative protein options, this recipe offers flexibility for various taste preferences.

Ingredients For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat perfect for a flavorful main dish.
• Flour: Key thickening agent for creamy sauce.

• Butter: Rich base for creating smooth sauces.
• Milk: Creamy liquid for cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese blend for extra flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for searing chicken.
• Honey: Sweet golden syrup for glazing chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami liquid for depth of flavor.
• White Vinegar: Tangy liquid for balancing sauce.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spicy seasonings for heat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic dry seasonings.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
• Macaroni: Classic pasta for creamy side dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish.

Making Creamy Chicken Mac

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Cook the chicken until golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes on each side.

Once cooked through, remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Honey Pepper Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Simmer the mixture until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips.

Return the chicken to the skillet and gently coat each piece with the honey pepper sauce, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Add macaroni and cook until al dente.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate pot, melt butter.

Whisk in flour to create a roux.

Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Cook until the sauce thickens.

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Cheese

Fold the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the creamy macaroni cheese onto serving plates.

Top with the honey pepper chicken strips.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips For Chicken Macaroni Success

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Adjust honey and cayenne levels to create your perfect sweet-spicy harmony, tasting as you go for personalized heat.
• Whisk milk slowly into roux and stir constantly to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy macaroni cheese base.
• Let chicken rest in sauce for a few extra minutes to absorb maximum flavor and achieve a glossy, rich coating.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in cheese sauce and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version.

Store And Reheat Chicken Macaroni

• Store leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm chicken slices and mac and cheese in microwave-safe dishes, adding a splash of milk to pasta to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and mac and cheese in oven-safe dishes, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent overcooking.
• Always check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F before consuming reheated leftovers to ensure food safety.

Pairings For Chicken And Mac

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet and spicy chicken, cutting through the creamy mac and cheese while balancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Herb-Infused Side Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of rich chicken and cheese.
• Texture-Enhancing Crunch Addition: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese for an unexpected crispy layer that adds delightful textural complexity to the creamy dish.
• Cooling Beverage Option: Serve a cold craft beer with citrus notes, like a wheat ale or Belgian-style witbier, to cleanse the palate and match the sweet-spicy chicken's intense flavor profile.

Twists On Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for cheese sauce. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.
• Low-Carb Variation: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use low-carb sweetener like erythritol instead of honey in the sauce.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Pan-sear protein alternative with same spicy honey sauce for protein-rich alternative.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitutes like cashew cheese. Select plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk for creamy sauce base.

FAQs

• What makes the honey pepper sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey with tangy vinegar, spicy cayenne, and savory soy sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that balances heat and sweetness.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the chicken?

Yes, you can easily modify the cayenne pepper amount. Reduce for less heat or increase for more spice according to your personal preference.

• What type of cheese works best for the macaroni?

Sharp cheddar and parmesan create the most flavorful cheese sauce, providing a rich and creamy texture that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Both the chicken and mac and cheese can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for busy weeknight dinners or lunch preparation.

Sweet And Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken dances alongside creamy macaroni cheese, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Comfort meets excitement in this irresistible dish that promises to satisfy your cravings and elevate your dinner experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Condiments:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 g) macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts with a gentle sprinkle of salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across the surface.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing chicken breasts to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook approximately 6-7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, preserving the flavorful skillet remnants for sauce creation.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper in the same skillet. Whisk ingredients together and allow mixture to simmer, reducing and thickening for 2-3 minutes.
5. Slice chicken into elegant diagonal strips, then reintroduce to the simmering sauce, gently coating each piece to maximize flavor absorption.
6. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water.
7. Create a luxurious cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until sauce thickens.
8. Remove sauce from heat, incorporating shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and white pepper to enhance flavor profile.
9. Fold macaroni into cheese sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creaminess.
10. Plate creamy macaroni as a base, artfully arrange honey pepper chicken strips on top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper for personalized heat levels, adding gradually to control spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Replace chicken breasts with tofu or plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Enhance cheese sauce creaminess by using room temperature milk and grating cheese freshly, which helps create smoother texture and prevents clumping.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking precisely to al dente stage and mixing cheese sauce immediately to stop additional cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg