Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

In the vibrant world of comfort food, few combinations are as enticing as sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy macaroni cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delights the senses and warms the heart. The crispy, juicy chicken glazed in a savory-sweet honey pepper sauce offers a delightful kick, while the macaroni cheese provides a rich, velvety counterpart. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that make this dish an instant hit at family dinners and gatherings.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Discover a delicious twist on comfort food with Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy macaroni cheese. This mouthwatering dish features crispy chicken glazed in a rich honey pepper sauce, perfectly complemented by silky macaroni cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that marries sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Try it out and elevate your mealtime! #ComfortFood #ChickenRecipes #MacaroniCheese #DinnerIdeas #HomeCooking

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Ingredients

For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Cook the Macaroni:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Add Cheeses:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. If desired, you can transfer this to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping.

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Drizzle some leftover marinade over the chicken during the last minute of cooking to enhance the flavor.

Serve:

Arrange the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken on a plate alongside a generous serving of creamy macaroni cheese. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4