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
Scale
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.
