Indulge in the delightful combination of spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy macaroni cheese. This mouthwatering dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the honey pepper sauce over the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot used to cook the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Serve the creamy macaroni cheese alongside the honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese options.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the honey pepper sauce.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or bell peppers to the creamy macaroni cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the macaroni pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of honey in the honey pepper chicken sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for the Honey Pepper Chicken?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.
- Is it possible to make the Creamy Macaroni Cheese ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni cheese ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with another type of cheese?
- While mozzarella adds a nice stretchiness to the macaroni cheese, you can certainly use another type of cheese such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- What can I serve as side dishes with this meal?
- A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes would complement this dish beautifully. You can also serve crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for extra indulgence.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Honey Pepper Chicken and Creamy Macaroni Cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- While the Creamy Macaroni Cheese freezes well, the Honey Pepper Chicken may not retain its texture as well after freezing and thawing. If you do choose to freeze the macaroni cheese, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors and textures with this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its simple yet delicious ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this delectable culinary creation!
This comprehensive guide not only provides a mouthwatering recipe but also addresses common queries and concerns, ensuring a smooth cooking experience for all. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this unforgettable dish. Enjoy the spicy sweetness of the Honey Pepper Chicken and the creamy goodness of the Macaroni Cheese, and elevate your dining experience to new heights!
