Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
A delightful meal combining tender honey pepper chicken and rich creamy macaroni cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier option.
- 1/2 cup honey Can substitute with maple syrup.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chili sauce Adjust based on heat preference.
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste chopped green onions for garnish
For the Macaroni Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni Can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups milk Whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Can substitute with gouda for a milder flavor.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt to prepare the chicken marinade. Combine well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and just cooked through.
- Add the prepared marinade to the skillet with chicken. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the macaroni. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, ground mustard powder, and stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
Serving
- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish.
Notes
This dish can be enjoyed with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for an extra special meal. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers; can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months.