If you’re ready to bring some serious comfort and spice to your dinner table, you’ll absolutely love Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese. This dish combines juicy, oven-roasted chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet honey pepper sauce with the ultimate creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s the perfect marriage of savory, sweet, and peppery heat, all tempered by ribbons of melty cheddar. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, feeding your family, or craving an indulgent solo treat, this meal is guaranteed to steal the show.

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese are uncomplicated but chosen for maximum flavor. Each plays a starring role in making the dish rich, luscious, and perfectly balanced. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why each one counts:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show—juicy and lean, perfect for soaking up the spicy honey glaze.
Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds unmistakable savory depth and aroma to the sauce.
Pure honey (½ cup): Offers natural sweetness and gives the sauce its beautiful gloss.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 tsp): Lends a bold, spicy punch that cuts through the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Makes the chicken sauce rich and creamy; also essential for the mac and cheese’s silken base.
Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic shape, perfect for trapping loads of melty cheese in every bite.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The more flavor the better—choose sharp for extra tang and cheesiness.
Whole milk (2 cups): Creates a velvety cheese sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Salt to taste: Brings every flavor to life; add generously but taste as you go.

How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Laying this foundation of flavor is simple, but it guarantees the chicken sings with every bite.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Honey Garlic Glaze

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter until it just begins to foam. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just enough to release its heavenly aroma, but not so long that it burns. Whisk in the honey until smooth, letting the mixture bubble gently. This is where the sweet, peppery magic begins!

Step 3: Bake the Chicken with Glaze

Arrange your seasoned chicken in a baking dish, then pour half of your fragrant honey pepper glaze right on top. Pop the dish in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, caramelized, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Save the rest of the glaze—we’ll use it for drizzling when serving Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese for that final glossy touch.

Step 4: Boil the Macaroni

While the chicken roasts, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but tender enough to soak up all the cheesy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, resisting the urge to sneak a bite (or at least try!).

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Grab a saucepan for the ultimate cheese sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in a spoonful of flour to create a roux—this is where the magic happens! Cook for about a minute, then slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with a bit of salt, and marvel at how creamy, molten, and inviting your cheese sauce has become.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

To serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese, place a generous scoop of that dreamy mac and cheese on your plate, top with a beautiful piece of glazed chicken, and drizzle with the reserved honey-pepper sauce. Every forkful brings you sweet heat and cheesy comfort—it’s pure joy!

How to Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Elevate your Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a light grating of lemon zest. These little pops of color and aroma make each plate look restaurant-worthy and add brightness to the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Although the star of your meal already combines big, indulgent flavors, a crisp apple slaw, steamed green beans, or a simple mixed green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette can bring just the right hit of freshness. Think crunch and color to balance all that creamy, spicy richness!

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the mac and cheese beneath the chicken in shallow bowls, or serve in small ramekins for an individual touch. For casual gatherings, slice the chicken and serve mixed into the mac for the ultimate Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese casserole. Let everyone drizzle extra honey pepper glaze as they like—it’s fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken and mac and cheese in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Both will keep beautifully for up to three days, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Freezing

The chicken freezes especially well—just wrap it tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. The mac and cheese can also be frozen, though it may lose a touch of its creaminess after thawing. To freeze, pack in portions, squeeze out any air, and label with the date.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven, covered, until hot. For the mac and cheese, add a splash of milk and heat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to bring back its creamy goodness. Always reheat the glaze separately and drizzle over just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and more flavorful. Cooking time may increase by a few minutes, so just check for doneness by ensuring they reach 165°F (75°C).

What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese because of its robust flavor and perfect melt, but you can blend in mozzarella or gouda for an extra-creamy twist.

How spicy is the sauce really?

The heat mostly comes from the black pepper, so it’s more warming than fiery. If you want a bigger kick, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Most kids love the sweet, sticky glaze and cheesy mac! If you’re concerned about the peppery heat, you can reduce the black pepper slightly for a milder version that still delivers loads of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is what comfort food dreams are made of—fiery, sweet, cheesy, and completely irresistible. Give it a try and let yourself be swept away by every luscious, saucy bite. You may just find your new signature dish!