Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese, a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This dish pairs a juicy, spicy-sweet chicken with rich and creamy macaroni and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Let it sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and browned on the outside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Coat the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside.
Make the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
- Add cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using) to taste. Stir in the cooked macaroni until well coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Serve:
- Plate the dish: Serve the creamy macaroni cheese on a plate or bowl and top with the spicy honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of extra parsley or a drizzle of honey for an added touch of sweetness.
Pro Tips:
- For extra spice: If you prefer more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable option: Serve with sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the macaroni cheese and sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
This dish is a perfect balance of spicy and sweet, with the creaminess of the macaroni cheese making it even more comforting.