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The sweet heat of honey pepper chicken paired with the ultimate creamy macaroni cheese is the kind of meal that stops all conversation once plated. This recipe balances bold flavors and brings seriously cozy comfort food to your table. Every bite delivers sticky, peppery chicken and stringy, gooey cheese over tender macaroni. It is one of those dishes I crave on chilly evenings when only something both hearty and craveable will do.
When I first made this for friends, we ate every last bite straight from the pan and someone asked for the recipe before finishing their plate. Now it is my go to for casual get togethers or when anyone needs a mood boost.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for lean high protein and soaks up the sweet spicy glaze perfectly
- Salt and pepper: for the essential seasoning layer choose fresh cracked pepper for best aroma
- Olive oil: for browning the chicken use extra virgin for great flavor
- Honey: for a rich sweetness try local honey for more layers of taste
- Soy sauce: brings umami and balances the heat with depth use low sodium if you want to control salt
- Apple cider vinegar: gives tang and brightness choose raw unfiltered for a subtle fruity note
- Ground black pepper: for a bite that marries well with the honey
- Garlic powder: delivers a savory backbone look for fresh smelling powder
- Onion powder: adds a mellow sweetness choose one with no caking agents for pure flavor
- Ground cayenne pepper: for fiery heat adjust to preference
- Macaroni pasta: gives the classic shape and texture look for bronze cut for best sauce grip
- Butter: for creaminess and flavor pick unsalted sweet cream
- All purpose flour: forms the roux making the sauce thick and silky use fresh flour for flawless results
- Milk: creates the velvety cheese sauce whole milk works best for richness
- Sharp cheddar cheese: brings bold tangy flavor buy a block and shred it yourself for optimal melt
- Mozzarella cheese: for gooey stretchiness fresh mozzarella will melt more smoothly
- Parsley: brightens and freshens the final plate grab a bunch with perky leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in hot oil and cook undisturbed for about six to seven minutes per side until golden with a crisp edge and juices run clear. Rest the chicken on a cutting board.
- Make the Sweet Spicy Sauce:
- Using that same skillet pour off any excess oil and add honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar black pepper garlic powder onion powder and cayenne. Stir them together scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Simmer for two to three minutes until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
- Coat and Slice Chicken:
- Slice the rested chicken into thick strips then add them back into the skillet. Toss and turn until every piece is sticky and well coated in the honey pepper glaze.
- Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt then drop in the macaroni. Cook until just al dente so it still has a little bite typically eight to nine minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan melt butter over medium low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about two minutes to create a pale smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Pull off the heat and slowly stir in the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time. Continue stirring until the cheese blends fully and your sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Drop the cooked macaroni into the pot with cheese sauce and stir well to coat every noodle. Keep stirring until it is creamy and you see no dry spots.
- Plate and Serve:
- Mound a generous scoop of macaroni cheese onto each plate Top with honey pepper chicken strips Drizzle the remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and herby lift
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Storage Tips
If you have leftovers keep the chicken and macaroni in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator They stay fresh up to three days For reheating macaroni cheese stir in a splash of milk before microwaving to keep it as creamy as fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
No mozzarella on hand swap in Monterey Jack or fontina for that gooey texture Gluten free eaters can use their favorite gluten free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce If you like punchier flavors fold in some blue cheese or use a smoked cheese blend
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Serving Suggestions
This dish shines as a main course but I love to add a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed broccoli to bring freshness to the meal Warm crusty bread on the side lets you scoop up every bit of cheesy sauce
Cultural Context
Sweet and spicy chicken draws inspiration from classic American diner and Southern comfort flavors while the rich macaroni cheese is a staple in countless kitchens Combining the two is a modern comfort twist that channels Sunday dinners and laid back celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of the chicken?
Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to increase heat, or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- → What cheese works best for the macaroni?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are recommended, but smoked gouda or blue cheese can add unique depth.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta and soy sauce, and ensure all packaged ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- → What are tips for reheating leftovers?
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to the macaroni to maintain creaminess.
- → Should I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours deepens the flavor and tenderness, but it's optional for a quicker meal.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A light, refreshing side like cucumber salad complements the richness and balances the dish.