Name: Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 lb elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

This Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese is the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce, paired with velvety smooth mac & cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, with an exciting twist that will make this dish an instant favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Mac & Cheese:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 lb elbow macaroni

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

For the chicken, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Pour the honey pepper sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

While the chicken is baking, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

For the mac & cheese, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture forms a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy mac & cheese, and enjoy a comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Chicken Tenders: If you prefer chicken tenders, you can swap the chicken breasts for tenders. They’ll cook faster and still absorb the delicious sauce.

Spicier Chicken: For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the honey pepper sauce.

Mac & Cheese with a Twist: You can add different cheeses to the mac & cheese, such as gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits for a smoky touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken and mac & cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the mac & cheese seems too thick, add a splash of milk and stir it into a creamy consistency as you reheat.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside.

Can I make the mac & cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac & cheese ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze this dish?

Both the chicken and mac & cheese freeze well. To freeze, store each component separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving this dish with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread also complements the mac & cheese beautifully.

Conclusion

This Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously exciting twist. The tender chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy macaroni, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

Recipe: