Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy macaroni cheese is the ultimate comfort meal I turn to when I want both a little heat and a lot of coziness This dish combines tender chicken smothered in a sticky honey pepper glaze with rich macaroni and cheese for a dinner that feels like a warm hug and delivers a crave worthy combination of flavor and texture

Every time I serve this the plates come back clean and everyone always asks for seconds The honey pepper sauce especially has turned into a family favorite even on wings and tofu

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Essential for tenderness and ensure quick cooking Choose chicken that is plump and pale pink without excess liquid for best results
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection Opt for extra virgin olive oil for added flavor
• Honey: Gives the glaze its signature sticky sweetness Pure local honey brings out the deepest flavors
• Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and balances out the sweetness Look for low sodium soy sauce to control salt
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang that lifts and brightens the sauce Use raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar for best flavor
• Ground black pepper: Provides warm heat and a savory kick Freshly ground is most potent
• Garlic powder: Sweet aromatic undertones look for garlic powder without additives
• Onion powder: Rounds out the base flavors and blends seamlessly into the sauce
• Ground cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat You can adjust to taste
• Macaroni pasta: Classic comfort Ideally choose elbow macaroni made from durum wheat for a tender yet firm bite
• Butter: The base for the roux that makes the cheese sauce velvety European style butter gives extra richness
• All purpose flour: Thickens the sauce while keeping it smooth Sift before measuring for accuracy
• Milk: Dissolves everything into a creamy base Whole milk makes the cheese sauce the most luscious
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers robust cheesy flavor Look for blocks you can shred at home for best meltability
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretch For freshest taste buy whole mozzarella and shred it yourself
• Salt and pepper: Brightens and balances all the other flavors Always season to your taste
• Chopped parsley: Fresh zest and eye catching color Choose flat leaf parsley for a delicate finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken breasts dry and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper Let them sit for about five minutes so the seasoning really sinks in

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Gently place the chicken breasts in and cook undisturbed for six to seven minutes per side You want a deep golden crust and juicy center

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:

Remove the chicken and keep warm Off any burned bits in the pan whisk together the honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar ground black pepper garlic powder onion powder and ground cayenne pepper Let this bubble gently for two to three minutes until slightly thickened stirring now and then so nothing sticks

Slice and Coat the Chicken:

Cut the cooked chicken into strips Return them to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the glossy sauce Turn off heat and let them rest while making the macaroni

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a big pot of salted water Add the macaroni and cook just until al dente following the package instructions Drain well and set aside

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a separate saucepan melt butter over medium heat Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for about one minute until it smells toasty Slowly pour in milk whisking all the while to avoid lumps Simmer until the sauce is thick and smooth about two to three minutes

Add the Cheese:

Off heat stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella Keep stirring until fully melted and luxuriously creamy Taste and finish with salt and pepper

Bring it All Together:

Gently mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce making sure each piece is coated

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the creamy macaroni cheese onto plates and top with strips of honey pepper chicken Drizzle on extra sauce from the pan and sprinkle with plenty of chopped parsley

Pin

My favorite part of this dish is watching the cheese sauce string between forkfuls of macaroni and the sticky honey glaze drip onto the noodles I remember making this for my sister's birthday once and the whole kitchen smelled amazing for hours

Storage Tips

Leftover honey pepper chicken and macaroni cheese store well in airtight containers and keep for up to three days in the fridge For best results reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk for the pasta

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap shredded rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep For a dairy-free version use plant-based cheeses and oat milk If you are out of apple cider vinegar a splash of fresh lemon juice will do the trick

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad to cut the richness or add roasted broccoli and carrots for a rounded meal Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread are excellent for soaking up any extra sauce

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe is a fun twist on two American classics sweet sticky glazed chicken and classic macaroni cheese I love how the honey pepper sauce takes inspiration from Southern flavors while the mac cheese roots always remind me of Sunday suppers growing up

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep the chicken moist?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken; cook until just golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Slicing the chicken after resting also helps retain juiciness.

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni is classic, penne, shells, or rotini will also hold the creamy cheese sauce well.

→ What cheese works best for the macaroni?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella combine for a creamy, flavorful sauce, but you can substitute with gouda or fontina for variety.

→ Is there an alternative to cayenne for heat?

If you prefer less spice, use a pinch of smoked paprika or leave out the cayenne completely for a milder profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently for best texture.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad or simply steamed vegetables provide a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dish.