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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac Bliss

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting dinner that pleases every palate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts substitute with thighs for juicier option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Honey primary sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni
  • 4 quarts Salted water for boiling
  • 2 cups Whole milk for cheese sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Ground mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Flour

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • Saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of chicken breasts with ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, combine ½ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with glaze. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. In a separate pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, then gradually add 2 cups of whole milk and whisk until thick and bubbly, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove cheese sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until melted. Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground mustard.
  7. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Plate the chicken alongside the mac and cheese. Drizzle remaining glaze over the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for the mac and cheese and allow the chicken to rest before slicing.

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