Description

This sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a delicious glaze and the rich, creamy macaroni is truly irresistible.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it to coat in the glaze. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
For the macaroni and cheese: In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Once the mixture thickens, stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Serve the honey pepper chicken on a plate with a generous portion of creamy macaroni and cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

If desired, swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.

For extra richness, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the macaroni and cheese.

A touch of sriracha or hot sauce in the glaze can elevate the heat if desired.

For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 80mg