Description
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful chicken glazed with a honey-apple cider vinegar sauce and rich, cheesy macaroni. The chicken’s perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky spices complements the smooth, comforting texture of classic mac and cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Pepper Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to build layers of flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring well to combine and scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for an even glaze.
- Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain Macaroni: Drain the cooked macaroni well and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour the whole milk into the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, cooking until the mixture thickens in about 4-5 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth for a rich cheese sauce.
- Season Cheese Sauce: Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to balance the flavors.
- Combine Macaroni with Cheese Sauce: Fold the drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the glazed sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount if you prefer less or more heat in the chicken seasoning.
- Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest mac and cheese, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in the mac and cheese roux.
- Make sure not to overcook the mac and cheese pasta to keep it tender but firm.
- Leftover chicken and mac and cheese can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1 cup mac and cheese
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken recipe, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, American dinner recipes, sweet and spicy chicken, cheesy pasta
