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Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
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Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that balances sweet honey glaze with a spicy cracked black pepper kick, paired alongside rich, creamy cheddar mac and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers tender chicken glazed in a luscious honey pepper sauce alongside smooth, cheesy pasta, creating a satisfying and unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Honey Pepper Glaze

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs), tender and juicy
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper, freshly cracked preferred
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (e.g., olive or vegetable oil)

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with the cooking oil, then cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, add honey and cracked black pepper. Stir and simmer gently until the glaze thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the glaze.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Create the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk or cream to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste.
  5. Combine Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well until every piece is coated with velvety cheese sauce.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate a generous portion of mac and cheese, then top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and extra cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor and crunch.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Allow the honey glaze to caramelize slightly for better adhesion and flavor complexity.
  • Choose sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese for a richer cheese profile.
  • Continuously whisk the cheese sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, chicken dinner, easy recipe, family recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/honey-pepper-chicken-with-mac-and-cheese/