There’s something magical about combining the fiery sweetness of honey pepper chicken with the ultimate comfort of creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s like a match made in food heaven! This dish is the perfect balance of bold and cozy, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.

Imagine tender chicken glazed in a sticky, spicy honey pepper sauce paired with macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce that practically melts in your mouth. Hungry yet? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Easy and Doable

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are simple, making it perfect for both busy days and leisurely evenings.

Flavor-Packed

The honey pepper chicken has a little bit of everything: sweetness from the honey, umami from the soy sauce, and a kick of spice from cayenne pepper. Meanwhile, the macaroni cheese is rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. Together, they’re a symphony of flavors.

A Family Favorite

This dish is kid-approved, adult-loved, and versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: 2 – These will soak up all the flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and tender.
Salt and pepper: to taste – Seasoning the chicken ensures every bite is flavorful.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Honey: ½ cup – Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
Soy sauce: ¼ cup – A little salty, a little savory—it balances the sweetness beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon – For a tangy edge that brightens the sauce.
Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and depth.
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the savory notes.
Onion powder: ½ teaspoon – Complements the garlic for a more robust flavor.
Ground cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon – Just enough to add a gentle heat.

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

Macaroni pasta: 8 ounces – Classic, bite-sized, and perfect for holding the cheese sauce.
Butter: 2 tablespoons – For a rich, silky base to the sauce.
All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons – Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the ideal consistency.
Milk: 2 cups – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can substitute as needed.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups – Brings bold, tangy flavor to the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup – Adds gooey, stretchy goodness to every bite.
Salt and pepper: to taste – Balances and enhances the cheesy flavor.
Parsley, chopped: for garnish – A fresh pop of color and subtle flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Honey Pepper Chicken

Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better in the pan. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Add the ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. You’ll notice it becoming glossy and sticky.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. Turn off the heat and let the chicken soak up the sauce while you prepare the macaroni cheese.

Cooking the Macaroni Cheese

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add the Cheeses
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until completely melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy goodness.

Putting It All Together

Plate the Dish
Scoop a generous portion of macaroni cheese onto each plate. Top with slices of honey pepper chicken, drizzling any extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

How to Serve

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even more special:

Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrients.
Serve alongside a crisp, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Add a slice of garlic bread for a little extra indulgence.

Tips for Success

Get the Sauce Just Right: Keep an eye on the honey pepper sauce as it cooks—it thickens quickly. Remove it from the heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the cheese sauce and gives the dish a perfect texture.
Mix the Cheese Gradually: Stir in the shredded cheese a little at a time to ensure a smooth sauce without clumps.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add an extra pinch!
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grate your own for the best results.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or roasted cauliflower and adjust the sauce seasoning to suit.
Extra Cheesy: Add a handful of Parmesan for an even richer cheese sauce.
Different Pasta Shapes: While macaroni is classic, penne or shells work beautifully, too!
Sweet and Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky twist.

Storing and Reheating

This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the honey pepper chicken separately from the macaroni cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat and reheat the macaroni cheese in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and macaroni separately, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Can I substitute the honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in food form. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

So go ahead, give it a try! And don’t forget to share your creations. Snap a photo, tag me on Instagram, and let me know how it turned out. I can’t wait to see your take on this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!

Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Tender, flavorful honey pepper chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce served alongside rich, creamy macaroni cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining!

Ingredients

Honey Pepper Chicken: Chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, olive oil.
Macaroni Cheese: Macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, parsley.

Instructions

Cook and season chicken; set aside.
Make honey pepper sauce in the same skillet. Toss sliced chicken in sauce.
Boil macaroni and prepare cheese sauce.
Combine macaroni with cheese sauce.
Serve chicken over macaroni and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Adjust spice level to taste.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American