Get ready for a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes with this incredible Fiery Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Macaroni! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a vibrant, sticky honey-pepper glaze, then served atop a luscious, cheesy macaroni and cheese. It’s a delightful combination of comforting textures and bold flavors, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in, a fun family dinner, or whenever you crave something truly satisfying and delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Fiery Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Macaroni dish is an absolute winner in my kitchen! What I love most is how it combines so many beloved elements into one harmonious meal. The chicken, coated in that incredible honey-pepper glaze, offers a beautiful caramelized sweetness with a pleasant kick of cayenne. This savory heat is perfectly complemented by the ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese – a classic comfort that provides a rich, smooth base. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully flavorful meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly approachable to prepare. The contrast of the fiery chicken and the cool, creamy mac makes every bite exciting!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and flavorful dish:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb total)
- 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 (adjust to taste for spiciness)
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta (elbow macaroni recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted recommended)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness; adjust cooking time slightly.
- Honey Pepper Chicken Glaze:
- Honey: Any type of honey works. Maple syrup can be a substitute for a different flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Ground Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor. You can increase this for a bolder pepper flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount (1/4 teaspoon to more) to your preferred spice level. Omit for no heat.
- Garlic Powder/Onion Powder: Provide a foundational savory flavor.
- Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic. Other small pasta shapes like cavatappi or small shells would also work.
- Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control saltiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to make a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk will yield the creamiest sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar & Mozzarella: The combination of sharp cheddar (for flavor) and mozzarella (for stretchiness and gooiness) is fantastic. Other good melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend can be used.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Directions
Let’s cook this delicious Fiery Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Macaroni!
- Prepare Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet (oven-safe if you plan to keep the chicken warm with the sauce later, or just a regular large skillet), heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on each side (about 6-7 minutes per side) and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those browned bits are flavor!), combine the 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, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened slightly and is glossy.
- Combine Chicken & Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips (or bite-sized pieces). Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the hot honey pepper sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the chicken is thoroughly coated in the delicious glaze. Keep warm over very low heat.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces of macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite). Drain the cooked macaroni well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate medium-sized pot or saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux (a thick paste). Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce has thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. Season the cheese sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained cooked macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well until all the macaroni is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: To serve, dish out a hearty portion of the creamy macaroni cheese onto plates. Top the macaroni with the sliced honey pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying comfort meal!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are cooked through to keep them juicy.
- Simmer Sauce to Thicken: Allow the honey pepper sauce to simmer for the recommended time to achieve a sticky, syrupy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Roux for Cheese Sauce: Cooking the butter and flour for a minute or two before adding milk helps prevent a raw flour taste and creates a stable sauce.
- Gradual Milk Addition: Whisk in milk gradually when making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps.
- Low Heat for Cheese Sauce: When adding the cheeses, remove the pot from direct heat or keep the heat very low to prevent the cheese from clumping or getting grainy.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Both the chicken and macaroni are best served hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Fiery Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Macaroni is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides:
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Provides a healthy, crisp contrast to the richness.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Corn on the Cob: A sweet and classic pairing.
- Cornbread: For a Southern touch, a side of cornbread would be delicious.
- For other incredibly flavorful chicken and pasta combinations, consider our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta and sauce will thicken upon cooling.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably, and the pasta may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the cheese sauce and restore creaminess. Reheating on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring constantly, is also an option. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish due to the cream-based cheese sauce (which can separate) and the pasta (which can become mushy).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, spicy, and comforting nature of this chicken and macaroni dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic chicken-centric and comfort food recipes:
- For another amazing one-pan chicken and rice meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of sweet and savory chicken, our Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings or Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are must-tries.
- And for a delicious and easy baked chicken dish, don’t miss our Chicken and Mozzarella Bake!
Final Thoughts
This Fiery Honey Pepper Chicken & Creamy Macaroni recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to combine sweet and savory flavors in a main dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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