Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Honey Pepper Chicken
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
Salt, to taste
03 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
05 -
1/2 cup honey
06 -
1/4 cup soy sauce
07 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 -
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
→ Creamy Macaroni Cheese
12 -
8 ounces macaroni pasta
13 -
2 tablespoons butter
14 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
15 -
2 cups whole milk
16 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
17 -
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
18 -
Salt, to taste
19 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
20 -
Chopped parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
02 -
In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
03 -
Slice cooked chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the honey pepper sauce until evenly coated.
04 -
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
05 -
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring a smooth texture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 -
Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat all the pasta.
07 -
Portion creamy macaroni cheese onto serving plates. Top with honey pepper chicken strips and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken and artisan cheeses to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
02 -
For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in the honey pepper mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
03 -
Customise the cheese blend with smoked gouda or blue cheese for added complexity.
04 -
Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce.
05 -
To make the dish gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta and soy sauce.
06 -
Serve hot and consider pairing with a light cucumber salad to balance the richness.
07 -
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven; add a splash of milk to retain creaminess.