There’s nothing like the perfect balance of flavors in a meal—sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory all in one bite. This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served over Creamy Macaroni Cheese is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a bold, comforting meal, this American-inspired dish is a delicious choice. The chicken is glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce, while the macaroni cheese brings creamy richness that balances the heat perfectly.
Ingredients
Honey Pepper Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
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
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
To serve, spoon the creamy macaroni cheese onto plates or bowls and top with generous portions of the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Adjust the heat: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- Go smokier: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Use chicken thighs: For a juicier alternative, swap breasts for boneless, skinless thighs.
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir in a handful of pepper jack cheese for added spice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish can be prepped ahead of time and reheated for quick meals:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk for the macaroni or microwave in short bursts.
- Freeze just the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Why This Recipe Works Year-Round
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is versatile and seasonless. The bright honey glaze makes it light enough for summer, while the rich, creamy macaroni cheese makes it hearty enough for winter comfort.
What to Serve With It
While the creamy macaroni cheese is already a fantastic base, here are some other ideas to round out your meal:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for freshness
- Cornbread muffins or garlic bread
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with velvety Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet bold and flavorful enough to serve at your next gathering. With the perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and cheesy comfort, this dish is destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Ingredients
Honey Pepper Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
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
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
- To serve, spoon the creamy macaroni cheese onto plates or bowls and top with generous portions of the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
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