If you love a meal that hits just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and comforting, then you are going to adore this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying dish where tender, juicy chicken is glazed with a spicy honey pepper sauce that dances on your taste buds, paired beautifully with ultra-creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that feels like a warm hug on your plate. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, keeping things simple yet packed with flavor and texture nuances. From the sweet and spicy sauce that coils perfectly around the chicken, to the smooth, cheesy mac that complements it to perfection, each item is essential for making this dish sing.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts for a juicy and tender chicken centerpiece.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Offers a savory depth and umami richness to balance the sweetness.
- Hot sauce: Packs a spicy kick that wakes up the flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Brings a fragrant heat and sharpness to offset the sweet honey notes.
- Macaroni pasta: The classic shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Delivers that rich, sharp cheese flavor and creamy melt.
- Milk: Helps achieve that silky smooth cheese sauce.
- Butter: Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the mac and cheese.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, generously season each boneless chicken breast with salt and black pepper to build a flavorful foundation that will enhance the spicy honey glaze.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. This simple blend creates a vibrant sauce that beautifully balances sweetness, spice, and savory notes—exactly what you want for a crave-worthy chicken glaze.
Step 3: Coat and Bake the Chicken
Coat the seasoned chicken breasts evenly with the sauce, ensuring every inch is covered in that glossy, spicy honey pepper goodness. Place them in a baking dish and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches a juicy, tender finish and the sauce caramelizes slightly on top.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni Pasta
While your chicken bakes, boil the macaroni according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Once drained, return the pasta to the pot to prepare for the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mac and Cheese
Into the hot macaroni, stir in butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into a smooth and velvety sauce, ensuring each bite is rich, creamy, and utterly comforting.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your spicy honey pepper chicken alongside a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese. The spicy-sweet chicken and smooth, cheesy pasta complement each other marvelously for a meal you’ll want on repeat.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and texture, sprinkle chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley over the top. A light drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the dish’s appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add a nutritious crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the chicken sliced on top of the mac and cheese in a shallow bowl, allowing the sauce from the chicken to mingle with the cheese sauce. You can also use individual ramekins for the mac and cheese as a charming side dish presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making your next meal just as delicious. Consume within 3 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and mac separately to maintain quality. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and store the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese if it seems dry. Cover the chicken while reheating to keep it moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will lend extra juiciness and richness to the dish, and they pair wonderfully with the spicy honey pepper sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat comes from the hot sauce and black pepper, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the honey. You can always reduce or increase the hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the mac and cheese?
Yes! Cheddar is classic and flavorful, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or a blend for a different twist on creaminess and taste.
How do I make the mac and cheese extra creamy?
Using full-fat milk and adding a bit more butter can make the texture even creamier. Stir the cheese in while the pasta is hot for a luxuriously smooth sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner for the next few days. Store portions separately to keep flavors fresh and textures at their best.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those meals that feels both indulgent and homemade, hitting all the right comfort food notes with a bit of a fiery twist. I truly hope you give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
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Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and comforting meal featuring spicy honey pepper baked chicken breasts paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This easy-to-make dish combines a sweet and spicy glaze on tender chicken with rich homemade mac and cheese, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and black pepper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper until fully combined to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Coat and Bake Chicken: Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the honey pepper sauce. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: To the hot drained macaroni, add butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth, coating the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the baked honey pepper chicken along with a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese. Enjoy this delicious combination immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey pepper sauce.
- Use whole milk or a higher fat milk substitute for an even creamier mac and cheese.
- Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
