Go Back
+ servings
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Enjoy this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served with Creamy Mac and Cheese for a delightful twist on comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for added moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper for spice
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika for depth
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder for savory flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder for mild onion flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 0.5 cup Honey for glaze
  • 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar for acidity
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce for umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tang
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 4 tablespoons Butter for richness
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni pasta shape
  • 2 cups Whole milk for creamy sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese for sharp flavor
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese for creaminess
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard for depth
  • 0.25 cup Flour for thickening
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • saucepan
  • pot
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  3. Cook the seasoned chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard; bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
  5. Coat the cooked chicken in the glaze and simmer for another 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
  6. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni for 7-8 minutes until al dente.
  7. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add ¼ cup of flour and stir to make a roux.
  8. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, cooking until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella until creamy; season with ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
  10. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated and serve alongside the chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 42gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe temperature and adjust spices to taste. This dish can be personalized with different pasta shapes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!