Zesty Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac Recipe

Crafting an irresistible sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese requires culinary creativity that sparks excitement.

Comfort meets bold flavors in this unexpected combination.

Pepper-infused honey adds a delightful kick to tender chicken pieces.

Macaroni cheese becomes a luxurious backdrop for the zesty protein.

Warm spices dance across your palate, creating a memorable dining experience.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance between creamy richness and vibrant heat.

Savor this dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries and delights adventurous taste buds.

What’s Great About Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Savor Flavor-Packed Spice Fusion: The marinade blends honey's sweetness with black pepper and red pepper flakes, creating a bold, zesty taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting culinary experience.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe combines simple searing and roasting techniques with a creamy cheese sauce, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results without advanced culinary skills.
• Customize for Family Delight: The recipe offers versatile components that appeal to different taste preferences, making it perfect for family dinners where everyone can enjoy a personalized twist on classic comfort food.
• Elevate Weeknight Meal Excitement: By combining protein-rich chicken with creamy macaroni, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into a satisfying, memorable meal that breaks the monotony of routine cooking.

What To Buy For Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that provides the main protein source for the dish.

• Honey: Adds a sweet and sticky coating to the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy undertone to the marinade.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a rich, aromatic flavor to the marinade.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Butter: Serves as the base for creating a smooth roux and adding richness to the sauce.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth roux.
• Milk: Provides a creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates a rich, melty cheese sauce with a sharp flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the roasted chicken.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten the dish.

How To Cook Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Preheat Oven And Prepare Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

Create Spicy-Sweet Marinade

In a mixing bowl, blend honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and garlic powder to craft a mouth-watering marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Coat Chicken With Flavor

Thoroughly massage the marinade into each chicken breast, making sure every nook and cranny is covered with the delicious mixture.

Step 3: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, developing a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in the juices.

Step 4: Roast Chicken In Oven

Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe and juicy meat.

Step 5: Boil Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 6: Craft Roux Base

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and develop a silky, luxurious sauce base.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Into Sauce

Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes uniformly creamy and irresistibly glossy.

Step 9: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Drain the cooked macaroni and gently fold it into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is completely embraced by the creamy goodness.

Step 10: Rest Chicken

Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and create maximum tenderness.

Step 11: Add Moisture

Drizzle chicken broth over the roasted chicken to enhance moisture and add an extra layer of flavor.

Step 12: Slice And Plate

Slice the roasted chicken into beautiful, succulent pieces and arrange them atop the creamy macaroni.

Step 13: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Tips For Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Seal in Spices: Pat chicken dry before marinating to help spices adhere better and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Remove cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure smoother melting and more even sauce consistency.
• Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken.
• Boost Pasta Creaminess: Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed, creating a silkier macaroni and cheese texture.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Chop parsley just before serving to maintain its bright green color and maximize aromatic qualities.

Different Ways To Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Replace honey with chipotle sauce, add cumin and chili powder to marinade, use pepper jack cheese in sauce, top with diced jalapeños.
• Greek-Inspired Chicken Mac: Swap honey for tzatziki sauce, use oregano and lemon zest in marinade, incorporate feta cheese into sauce, garnish with chopped dill.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute elbow macaroni with roasted cauliflower florets, use almond flour instead of regular flour, keep chicken preparation similar, maintain creamy cheese sauce.
• Dairy-Free Chicken Mac: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for cheese sauce, replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk, utilize dairy-free butter alternative, keep chicken marinade unchanged.

Top Sides For Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Elevate Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Pairing
• Uncork Bold Red Wine: A robust Zinfandel or Syrah cuts through the dish's spicy-sweet profile, complementing the honey and pepper notes while balancing the creamy cheese sauce.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing, acidic counterpoint that cleanses the palate between rich bites of chicken and mac.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA with caramel undertones that stand up to the dish's complex flavors, enhancing the spicy-sweet chicken and creamy pasta.

How To Store Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Store chicken and macaroni separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Cheese sauce might slightly separate but will recombine when reheated.
• Place chicken and macaroni in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Your Questions About Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Is this recipe spicy?

The marinade includes red pepper flakes which provide a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to control the heat level or omit them completely for a milder flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works great, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or shells depending on your preference and what you have available.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

You’ll need a skillet for searing, a baking sheet, a large pot for pasta, and a saucepan for the cheese sauce – standard kitchen tools most home cooks already own.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, opt for low-fat milk, and choose lean chicken breasts to create a more nutritionally balanced meal.

Sweet And Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken nestles alongside creamy macaroni cheese in this irresistible comfort meal. Flavor-packed ingredients dance together, promising a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 0.25 cup honey

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Macaroni Cheese Components:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Cooking Liquids:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for optimal chicken roasting.
2. Combine honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl to create a robust, zesty marinade for the chicken breasts.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the spicy-sweet marinade, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior.
5. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While the chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
7. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
8. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a silky base for the cheese sauce.
9. Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes uniformly creamy and glossy.
10. Drain the cooked macaroni and fold it into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
11. Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
12. Drizzle chicken broth over the chicken for added moisture and depth of flavor.
13. Slice the roasted chicken and arrange over the creamy macaroni.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken ahead of time for deeper flavor penetration, letting it sit in the spicy-sweet mixture for up to 2 hours before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique macaroni cheese twist that complements the honey pepper chicken.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing red pepper flakes for mild palates or adding extra for heat lovers, making the dish adaptable to different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg