Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

The sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese, creating a balance that’s truly mouthwatering. The chicken is coated in a rich, sticky glaze that has just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting. As you bite into it, the sweetness of the honey hits first, followed by a kick of pepper that dances on your taste buds, leaving a gentle warmth behind. This savory and sweet combo is a match made in heaven with the mac and cheese, which is luxuriously smooth and comforting. The velvety cheese sauce clings to each noodle, providing a creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken. Every forkful offers the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness, making this dish one you’ll crave time and time again. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside, with every bite bringing a new layer of flavor to savor. And let’s not forget the subtle pop of freshness from any herbs you choose to sprinkle on top, offering just the right amount of balance to this indulgent dish.

Key Ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. From the rich sweetness of the honey to the creaminess of the mac and cheese, here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this meal unforgettable:

– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

The chicken is the star of the show, tender and juicy. Its mild flavor soaks up the honey pepper glaze, becoming a flavorful centerpiece that complements the rich mac and cheese.

– Olive oil

Used for sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior on the chicken.

– Ground black pepper

This peppery kick is the foundation of the glaze’s heat. It gives the chicken that unmistakable spicy punch without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.

– Smoked paprika

Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, which balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the savory flavors of the chicken.

– Garlic powder

Garlic powder infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic quality, elevating the overall flavor profile of both the chicken and the creamy mac and cheese.

– Onion powder

Onion powder lends a sweet, mellow onion flavor, helping to create a well-rounded and savory seasoning mix for the chicken glaze.

– Cayenne pepper

A pinch of cayenne gives the dish a noticeable heat. It’s not overwhelming, but it brings a little extra kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey.

– Salt

A key seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors of the chicken and balance the sweetness in the glaze.

– Honey

The star of the glaze! Honey adds a luscious sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy elements of the chicken. It helps form that glossy, sticky coating that makes each bite irresistible.

– Apple cider vinegar

The vinegar brings a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey, while adding a tangy kick to the glaze.

– Soy sauce

This adds an umami flavor to the glaze, deepening the savory notes and enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

– Dijon mustard

A touch of Dijon mustard adds sharpness and tang, cutting through the richness of the glaze and adding an extra layer of complexity.

– Butter

Butter helps to create a silky smooth sauce that coats the chicken, adding richness and a slightly creamy texture.

– Elbow macaroni

The perfect pasta for mac and cheese! Elbow macaroni’s small, curved shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, making each bite extra satisfying.

– Whole milk

Whole milk creates a smooth, rich base for the cheese sauce, giving it a creamy texture and mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.

– Shredded cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for mac and cheese, contributing a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and balances the spiciness of the chicken.

– Shredded mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese adds a stretchy, melty texture to the sauce, making the mac and cheese even more decadent and gooey.

– Ground mustard

Ground mustard adds a subtle kick to the cheese sauce, enhancing the savory depth without being too overpowering.

– Garlic powder

A second dose of garlic powder in the cheese sauce rounds out the flavors, infusing the dish with that delicious garlicky richness.

– Flour

Flour helps to thicken the cheese sauce, creating the creamy consistency that makes mac and cheese so comforting and smooth.

– Salt

A touch of salt in the cheese sauce ensures all the flavors are well-balanced and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

– Black pepper

Black pepper adds a mild heat to the cheese sauce, giving the mac and cheese just the right amount of seasoning to complement the flavors of the chicken.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Let the chicken rest while you prepare the glaze.

5. In the same skillet, add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. These ingredients will form the flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken.

6. Stir the sauce ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the glaze with extra flavor.

7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should become rich and glossy.

8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Make sure each piece is well-glazed with the sweet and spicy mixture.

9. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, flipping it occasionally to ensure it’s evenly glazed. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully absorb into the chicken.

10. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.

11. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

12. Drain the macaroni and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce.

13. In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. The butter will form the base for your creamy cheese sauce.

14. Add flour and whisk it into the butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The roux helps to thicken the cheese sauce and gives it a smooth texture.

15. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking to ensure the mixture is smooth and free of clumps.

16. Continue whisking and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.

17. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. The cheeses will melt into the sauce, creating that perfect gooey texture.

18. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce and mix well. These seasonings will elevate the flavor and add a subtle kick.

19. Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Make sure every piece of macaroni is enveloped in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

20. Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese. The chicken and mac and cheese should be served together, so you can enjoy each flavorful bite.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

– *Add a side of crispy roasted vegetables*: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes bring a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese. Plus, the natural sweetness of the vegetables complements the honey pepper chicken perfectly!

– *Top your mac and cheese with a sprinkle of fresh herbs*: A handful of fresh parsley, thyme, or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the richness of the dish. It’s a simple way to elevate the flavors and bring some extra vibrancy to your plate.

– *Serve with a tangy coleslaw on the side*: A crunchy, zesty slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is the ideal foil to the creamy mac and cheese. The slight acidity and crunch provide a refreshing balance to the sweet and spicy chicken.

How to Store Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

To keep this dish tasting fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these simple storage tips:

– Refrigerate leftovers: Store the chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, and the mac and cheese will stay creamy for about the same time. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy again.

– Freezing for later: If you want to make this dish ahead of time or save leftovers for a future meal, both the chicken and mac and cheese can be frozen. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or store in freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay good for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the oven or stovetop.

– Reheating tips: When reheating, add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to keep it creamy. For the chicken, warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it to keep it moist.

Conclusion

And there you have it—an absolutely delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken and Creamy Mac and Cheese come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner or a weekend feast, it’s sure to be a hit!

I hope you give this recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! If you have any questions or feedback, or if you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to chat about cooking and share tips. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Print Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 720

Description

Tender, juicy chicken glazed in a perfect balance of sweet honey and bold, fiery pepper, paired with creamy, rich mac and cheese. The heat from the chicken contrasts beautifully with the velvety cheese, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

• 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

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6. Stir the sauce ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
9. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, flipping it occasionally to ensure it's evenly glazed.
10. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
11. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
12. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
13. In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
14. Add flour and whisk it into the butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
15. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
16. Continue whisking and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
17. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
18. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce and mix well.
19. Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
20. Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese.

Note

• For a crispier chicken exterior, sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for an extra minute before reducing the heat to medium.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning.
• For a thicker honey glaze, let the sauce simmer longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor in the mac and cheese.
• You can substitute the elbow macaroni with another pasta like penne or shells for variety.

Keywords: sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese recipe, honey pepper chicken dinner, spicy chicken with mac and cheese, sweet and savory chicken recipe