There’s something magical about the aroma of Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: tender chicken drenched in a spicy-sweet glaze that dances on your taste buds, paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that hugs you like an old friend. easy chicken primavera recipe This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The look on their faces when they took their first bite was priceless like I’d just handed them a treasure map to flavor town! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this recipe promises comfort and joy in every bite. flavorful cajun lasagna.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its sweet and spicy flavor profile will leave everyone craving more
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table, and it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or salads
Your friends will be begging for seconds after tasting this delicious dish at your next gathering!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they really amp up the taste!
- Honey: Opt for pure honey for the sweetest glaze; it brings everything together beautifully.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper packs a punch in this dish; don’t skimp on it!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your sauce; it adds richness.
- Macaroni Pasta: Choose elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love for the ultimate mac and cheese base.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that gooey texture; trust me, you’ll want extra cheese!
- Milk: Whole milk creates creaminess in your mac and cheese; don’t go low-fat if you can help it!
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors; season thoughtfully throughout cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
I remember my cousin’s eyes lighting up when he tried this dish at our family BBQ it was an instant hit!
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into creating this culinary masterpiece!
Prepare Your Chicken: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear later. creamy crack chicken gnocchi Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Create the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic (about 3 cloves), stirring until fragrant about 30 seconds. cheesy garlic butter linguine Then mix in ½ cup of honey until combined and smooth.
Coat the Chicken: Place your seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Pour half of the honey garlic glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.
Bake Away: Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) while bathing in its own delicious juices.
Cook Your Mac and Cheese: While the chicken bakes, boil salted water in a pot and cook your macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while we prepare the cheese sauce.
Create Your Cheese Sauce: In another pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux cook until golden brown (about 1 minute). Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk until smooth. Stir continuously until thickened before adding shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Once baked, remove your chicken from the oven and drizzle remaining glaze over each piece before serving alongside that cheesy goodness you’ve just whipped up!
And there you have it a plate full of Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese that’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table! Enjoy every mouthful as you savor both flavors and memories created around this delicious meal! For more inspiration, check out this Taco Bell meat recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a flavor explosion!
- Perfectly crispy chicken meets creamy, cheesy goodness
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste, and don’t skip out on the spices; they elevate the dish to new heights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken while you cook the macaroni. Once that’s done, sear the chicken, then finish it in the oven for perfect crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular cheese for smoked mac and cheese for a colorful twist that packs nutrients.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is fully coated in spices for maximum flavor
- Avoid crowding the pan while searing; this helps achieve that desired crispy skin
- Let your mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken up nicely
Cooking this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would fight over the last piece!
FAQ
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of pepper or use milder honey for sweetness without heat.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating for even flavor distribution.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A fresh salad or steamed veggies balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. The tender chicken, glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. This dish is not just a feast for the palate but a memory maker for family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas, it’s sure to impress guests at your next dinner party or cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup pure honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for cheese sauce)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add garlic; cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in honey until smooth.
- Place chicken in a baking dish; pour half the glaze over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In another pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened; add cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve chicken drizzled with remaining glaze alongside mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
