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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional for extra heat
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Honey for glaze
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 tsp Ground Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Flour for thickening
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 2 minutes until it's shimmering.
  2. Season the Chicken: While the skillet heats up, season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, until golden, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce to medium-low and add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce and simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
  6. Boil the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  7. Create the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden brown.
  8. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  9. Add the Cheese: Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  10. Combine with Macaroni: Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated.
  11. Serve: Plate the chicken with a scoop of mac and cheese, drizzling remaining sauce over the chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking for better texture. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.

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