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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Mains.

Tender chicken meatballs gain incredible moisture from ricotta cheese mixed right into the meat. They nestle into a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce made rich with fresh cream and aged Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach wilts gently into the sauce, adding color and a subtle earthiness to balance the richness. The combination creates something totally comforting yet elegant enough for company. Simple ingredients transform through careful preparation into an impressive meal that feels special without being fussy.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:35:08 GMT
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A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with fresh parsley. | tastygusto.com

This has become my favorite way to elevate classic comfort food. The chicken gets this gorgeous sticky glaze thats the perfect mix of sweet honey and spicy heat. Paired with creamy mac and cheese its pure heaven on a plate. Every time I make this my family races to the dinner table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

I love how this dish combines familiar favorites with a delicious twist. The honey and cayenne create magic together while the rich mac and cheese cools things down perfectly. Its simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company. The flavors remind me of my favorite restaurant dishes but its so easy to make at home.

Everything You Need

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken for tenderness and versatility.
  • Honey: Natural sweetness to balance the spice.
  • Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella: A rich cheese blend for the sauce.
  • Macaroni: Pasta that perfectly holds the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Spices: Cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder for depth and heat.

Making The Chicken

Marinate:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Marinate in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices for at least 30 minutes.
Cook:
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown. Set aside, then reduce the marinade in the skillet to a thick sauce.
Coat:
Slice chicken and toss in the reduced sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Creating Perfect Mac and Cheese

Prepare Pasta:
Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Sauce:
In a pot, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, then add shredded cheeses until smooth and creamy.
Combine:
Mix pasta with cheese sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Making It Look Beautiful

I love serving this with the creamy mac and cheese as a bed for the glazed chicken. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes adds such nice color. Add a fresh salad or some steamed veggies on the side and you have a restaurant worthy meal right at home.

My Kitchen Secrets

Give that chicken time to marinate the flavors just get better and better. Always grate your own cheese it melts like a dream compared to pre shredded. Keep an eye on your pasta you want it with just a bit of bite. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

A bowl of mac and cheese topped with grilled chicken and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A bowl of mac and cheese topped with grilled chicken and garnished with chopped parsley. | tastygusto.com

Mix It Up

Some nights I make this with shrimp instead of chicken. For my gluten free friends I use special flour and pasta. Adding spinach to the mac and cheese sneaks in extra nutrition. Try different cheese combinations to find your favorite blend.

Saving For Later

This keeps well in the fridge for about three days. If youre freezing portions keep the chicken separate from the mac and cheese. When its time to reheat add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Good For You Too

You get protein from the chicken energy from the pasta and healthy fats from the olive oil. The honey gives natural sweetness while the cayenne might even boost your metabolism. When we want something lighter I use low fat dairy or swap in agave for the honey.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp green salad with tangy dressing cuts through all that richness perfectly. We love having garlic bread or cornbread on the side. Pour some cold lemonade or white wine and dinner is complete.

Common Pitfalls

Watch your chicken carefully you want it juicy not dry. The pasta should still have some bite before it meets the cheese sauce. Keep whisking that sauce while adding milk for the smoothest result. Taste as you go to get that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

A plate of grilled chicken strips served over creamy macaroni and cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A plate of grilled chicken strips served over creamy macaroni and cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Longer marinating time means deeper flavors in the final dish.
→ What cheese alternatives can I use?
Try smoked gouda or blue cheese for different flavor profiles. Any good melting cheese will work in the mac and cheese.
→ How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to taste, or add hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat. You can also reduce spices for a milder version.
→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the fridge and reheat in microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk when reheating the mac and cheese to keep it creamy.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. All other ingredients should naturally be gluten-free.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

A tasty fusion dish combining honey pepper glazed chicken with rich, creamy macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (1 large dish)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1/2 cup honey.
04 1/4 cup soy sauce.
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
06 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
07 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper.
10 8 ounces macaroni pasta.
11 2 tablespoons butter.
12 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
13 2 cups milk.
14 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
15 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
16 Salt and pepper to taste.
17 Chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.

Step 02

In same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. Simmer until thick, 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Slice chicken into strips, return to skillet and coat with sauce.

Step 04

Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.

Step 05

Melt butter, stir in flour. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thick. Remove from heat, blend in cheeses, season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Mix pasta with cheese sauce. Serve topped with honey pepper chicken and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Can marinate chicken up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Adjust cayenne pepper amount for desired heat level.
  3. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pot for pasta.
  • Saucepan for cheese sauce.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 700
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 38 g