Description
A delightful Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served over creamy macaroni and cheese. This dish combines tender chicken breasts glazed in a flavorful honey soy pepper sauce with a rich, cheesy macaroni base, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Honey Pepper Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even coverage for flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Coat Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips, return to the skillet with the sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk to the roux until smooth. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy macaroni cheese, top with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red chili flakes.
- Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make it lighter if desired.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Macaroni can be substituted with other pasta shapes like penne or shells.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for additional color and flavor.
