Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken over Creamy Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal. Sweet, spicy chicken paired with rich, cheesy macaroni creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish delivers on taste and indulgence every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 pieces
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: ¼ cup
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
For the Creamy Mac ‘n’ Cheese:
- Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, simmer honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper until thickened. Toss sliced chicken in the sauce.
- Prepare Macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour to form a roux, and whisk in milk. Simmer until thickened, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Mix macaroni with the cheese sauce. Plate and top with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level.
- Swap macaroni with penne, rotini, or shells for variety.
- Add vegetables like steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Searing and Simmering