Sweet Spicy Honey Chicken

This sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese brings together the perfect balance of flavors for a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and homemade. The sticky honey sauce with a kick of heat complements the rich, cheesy pasta for a dinner that satisfies all your cravings at once.

I first made this when my family was craving both comfort food and something with a little kick. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested for special occasions and has become our go-to meal when we want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: tender protein that absorbs the honey pepper sauce beautifully
• Honey: creates a naturally sweet glaze and helps caramelize the chicken
• Soy sauce: adds umami depth and balances the sweetness of the honey
• Apple cider vinegar: brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness
• Cayenne pepper: provides the perfect amount of heat that complements the honey
• Macaroni pasta: choose a quality pasta that holds sauce well in its ridges
• Sharp cheddar cheese: provides the tangy flavor that defines a great mac and cheese
• Mozzarella cheese: adds the stretchy melty texture that makes mac and cheese irresistible
• Butter and flour: creates the roux base for a silky smooth cheese sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Cook Chicken:

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip once and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest while making the sauce.

Create the Honey Pepper Sauce:

Using the same pan with all those delicious chicken bits, pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly to incorporate the flavorful fond from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce reduce for about 3 to 4 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Return chicken to the pan and turn to coat in the glossy sauce.

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to flavor the pasta. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a half cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps the sauce adhere.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk continuously for about one minute until the mixture smells slightly nutty but has not browned. Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheeses in handfuls, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve:

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired creaminess. Slice the honey pepper chicken into strips. Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates and top with sliced chicken. Drizzle additional honey pepper sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

The honey pepper sauce is truly the star of this dish. I discovered the magic of this combination when traveling through the southern United States, where honey pepper is treasured for its ability to enhance chicken without overpowering it. My family now requests this sauce on everything from grilled vegetables to pork tenderloin.

Make-Ahead Options

The honey pepper sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve. The mac and cheese component can also be prepared ahead of time, though it's best freshly made. If making in advance, undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to absorb moisture when reheated. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The sharpness of the vinaigrette and freshness of the vegetables help cut through the richness of both the honey pepper chicken and the creamy mac and cheese. For beverages, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a hoppy IPA to contrast with the sweet and spicy elements of the dish.

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Customizing Your Meal

The basic recipe offers endless opportunities for customization. For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese in the mac and cheese. For extra protein and texture in your mac and cheese, consider adding crispy bacon bits or buttery panko breadcrumbs on top. The honey pepper sauce works beautifully with other proteins too try it with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. For a more adult version, add a splash of bourbon to the honey pepper sauce during the reduction stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the chicken tender and flavorful?

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cook them evenly on both sides, and coat them generously with the honey pepper sauce for juicy and flavorful results.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the honey sauce?

Yes! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder sauce, or add extra for a spicier kick.

→ What type of cheese works best for the macaroni?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a smooth and rich cheese sauce, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a twist.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken and honey pepper sauce in advance, store separately, and reheat before serving. Cook the macaroni and cheese fresh to ensure maximum creaminess.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread can complement the flavors beautifully while adding variety to the meal.