If you crave cozy comfort food with a kick, you’re going to fall head over heels for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. Picture perfectly seared bites of juicy chicken tossed in a glossy, sticky honey pepper sauce, piled onto the dreamiest, ultra-creamy mac and cheese. The best part? All those flavors—the mellow cheese, the playful heat, the honey’s sweet embrace—come together in less than an hour. It’s the kind of meal that lights up a weeknight and makes you wish for leftovers, if there ever are any!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients working overtime to create flavor fireworks. Every component—whether it’s fiery red pepper flakes, a splash of vinegar, or sharp cheddar—brings something memorable to both the chicken and mac. Grab these essentials, and you’ll be halfway to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home!
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces—tender, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Flour: 1/2 cup—helps the chicken crisp up beautifully in the pan.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon—seasons the chicken just right.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon—adds warmth and depth; use half for chicken, half for sauce and mac.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons—gives the chicken its light, golden crunch.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons—just enough to pan-fry and develop beautiful color.
- Honey: 1/3 cup—brings that glorious sweet flavor to the spicy sauce.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon—adds umami and rounds out the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon—brightens up the honey with subtle tang.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon or to taste—let your heart (and spice tolerance) decide the perfect amount.
- Garlic: 1 clove minced—fragrant, savory punch to the sauce.
- Elbow macaroni: 8 ounces—a classic pasta shape that hangs onto every drop of cheesy goodness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons—forms the rich, luscious base of the cheese sauce.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons—thickens your mac sauce for that true, velvety effect.
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups—choose whole for extra creaminess, but any will work.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon—just a little boost of savory flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups—the true star of your mac, for bold flavor and ultra-smooth melt.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, so they keep their shape when mixed with cheese sauce. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside. A little drizzle of olive oil prevents sticking if your pasta will cool for a few extra minutes.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Set the pan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and the smells are downright irresistible. Once glossy and syrupy, remove from heat and set aside—you’ll pour this on your cooked chicken later for that signature Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese flavor punch!
Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until nicely coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for about 6 to 8 minutes or until every piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. This quick pan-fry creates a crisp exterior that will hold up perfectly once you add the sauce.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour that rich, sweet and spicy sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece is glossy and coated. Let the chicken simmer gently for about 2 minutes—the glaze will get even stickier, coating every bite in flavor. The transformation is instant and dramatic!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Macaroni Cheese
While the chicken is soaking up the sauce, melt butter in another medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a bubbling roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Take it off the heat and add the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Finally, fold in your cooked macaroni so every noodle is coated in glorious creamy cheese sauce—this is what makes Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese so decadent!
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
You can serve your honey pepper chicken on top of the creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate bowl food, or spoon them side-by-side. Top everything with fresh green onions or parsley if you like, and dig in while it’s piping hot. The contrast of gooey cheese and zingy glazed chicken is pure magic!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions or chopped parsley is all you need to make this dish look as good as it tastes. The fresh pop of color and herbal brightness cut through the richness and spice, turning each plate of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese into a dinnertime masterpiece. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of extra cheese or even a light dusting of red pepper flakes can up the wow factor.
Side Dishes
Even though this meal is already hearty, bright and simple sides can balance it beautifully. Think steamed broccoli, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a quick cucumber salad for a cooling contrast. If you want to stretch things or serve a crowd, add a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that fabulous mac and cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your presentation match the excitement of your flavors! Try serving Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese in individual bowls for cozy, restaurant-style elegance. For parties, you can even layer mac and cheese at the bottom of small jars or ramekins, top with chicken and a sprinkle of green onions, and set out for a serve-yourself “comfort food bar.” Or go classic and pile everything high on a platter so everyone can dive in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and mac and cheese separately if possible to help maintain those special textures—saucy, sticky chicken and smooth, creamy pasta. This way, you can refresh them both with ease when you’re ready to enjoy round two!
Freezing
Both elements of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese freeze nicely. Let them cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and stash away for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken and mac in individual portions, making it simple to grab just what you need for a quick meal later.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the macaroni cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, splashing in a bit of extra milk to revive its creamy texture. The chicken can be warmed in a skillet over low heat just until hot, or microwaved briefly. If everything’s a little thick after freezing, a hint more milk (or water for the chicken) will bring it back to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully in Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. Thighs deliver a little extra richness and juiciness, while breasts are lighter and cook a bit faster. Choose what your family loves most.
How spicy does the sauce get with the red pepper flakes?
The heat level is fully customizable—using 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a noticeable kick, but you can dial it up or down to taste. For a mild batch, use half the amount; for more heat, add a little extra. The honey keeps things balanced either way.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to one day in advance, then pop them in the fridge. The mac and cheese can be assembled before dinner, too, and simply reheated with a splash of milk. This makes Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese a perfect choice for meal prep or busy weekdays.
What other cheeses work for the macaroni?
While sharp cheddar gives amazing flavor and melt, you can swap in pepper jack for extra heat, mozzarella for stretchiness, or a blend of several cheeses for complexity. Just be sure whatever you choose is a good melter for the creamiest results.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the sweet glaze and cheesy pasta. If your eaters are sensitive to spice, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Add some extra vegetables as desired, and you’ve got a dish everyone at the table can enjoy together.
Final Thoughts
This is truly a meal to look forward to. Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese takes classic comfort food to exciting new heights, and once you try it, it just might become a treasured favorite in your home too. Gather your pantry staples, invite your friends or family, and dig into this unforgettable blend of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with this delectable dish of Honey Pepper Chicken served with creamy Macaroni Cheese. A comforting meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the honey pepper sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the creamy macaroni cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare honey pepper sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Cook chicken: Toss chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Pour honey pepper sauce over chicken and simmer.
- Make macaroni cheese: Melt butter, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cheese and cooked pasta, stir to coat.
- Serve: Serve honey pepper chicken over or alongside creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for heat preference.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.
- Great recipe for kids and adults!
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