Description
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served over creamy macaroni cheese is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Juicy honey-glazed chicken with a hint of cayenne and black pepper meets velvety mac and cheese for a dish that’s indulgent yet weeknight-friendly. This combo delivers everything—sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy—in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
1/2 cup honey (120 ml)
1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
1 tsp ground black pepper (2 g)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (1 g)
1/2 tsp onion powder (1 g)
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (0.5 g)
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
8 oz macaroni pasta (225 g)
2 tbsp butter (28 g)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (16 g)
2 cups milk (480 ml)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Slice chicken into strips, return to skillet, and toss to coat in sauce. Keep warm.
Cook macaroni according to package directions (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss pasta in cheese sauce until coated.
Plate macaroni cheese, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Add a splash of broth or water if sauce thickens too much.
Increase cayenne or use red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
For creamier mac, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream.
Store chicken and macaroni separately for best reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American