Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping dinner that brings sweet heat and utter comfort to your table, this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a dream come true. Tender baked chicken is coated in a sticky, garlicky honey glaze with a punch of fresh black pepper for just the right kick, and the ultra-creamy mac and cheese balances the spice with its velvety richness. Each bite will have you craving more — friends and family will beg for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, and together they create layers of irresistible flavor and texture. You’ll love how simple the list is, using fresh basics that deliver phenomenal taste in every bite and make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese shine.

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for easy slicing and juicy results; patting them dry helps them brown beautifully.
• Fresh garlic: Minced for a deep, fragrant base in the honey glaze; don’t skip this for extra savoriness.
• Pure honey: Lends sweet stickiness that caramelizes as it bakes, balancing out the spice of the pepper.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a bold, spicy backbone that elevates the chicken from basic to craveworthy.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the glaze and the mac and cheese, letting you control the saltiness.
• Elbow macaroni: Classic comfort vibes, these little tubes perfectly capture all that luscious cheese sauce.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Choose a good block for shredding; it melts beautifully and brings tangy depth.
• Whole milk: Full-fat for a silken, voluptuous cheese sauce that coats every noodle.
• Salt: Essential to wake up the flavors in both the chicken and the creamy pasta.
• Flour: A touch for the roux makes the cheese sauce rich and stable, never grainy.

How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, pat your chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper — this helps them crisp up in the oven. Sprinkle both sides with salt and a hit of freshly ground black pepper, setting the stage for a savory, flavorful backdrop for that gorgeous glaze.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Honey Pepper Glaze

Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds — you want it soft, not browned. Stir in your pure honey till smooth, then swirl in the black pepper. This creates an irresistible, warming glaze that’ll soak into the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish, giving them a bit of room. Pour half of your aromatic honey pepper glaze over the top, reserving the rest for finishing. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the chicken is golden and a thermometer reads 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part, you know it’s ready.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook till just al dente — you want them tender but with a touch of bite, perfect for carrying the cheese sauce. Drain well and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In another pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in a spoonful of flour and cook this roux for about 1 minute, whisking constantly — this keeps the sauce smooth. Slowly pour in the whole milk, stirring all the while. Once it thickens, add your shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt, stirring until the cheese is lavishly melted.

Step 6: Plate and Finish

To serve, nestle a juicy chicken breast next to a mound of creamy mac and cheese on each plate. Drizzle the chicken with the remaining spicy honey pepper glaze for a glistening finish. Now you’re ready to dig in to Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese bliss!

How to Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle your plates with freshly chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal lift. A few grinds of black pepper over the mac and cheese makes it sing, and for a little crunch, try a dusting of crispy fried onions or a crumble of bacon bits on top.

Side Dishes

While Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese deserves the spotlight, a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli offers a crisp, clean contrast. A simple garden salad with a zippy vinaigrette can cut through the richness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets beside each chicken breast. Or, slice the chicken and fan it over the mac for a restaurant-style plate. Even family style in a big dish looks inviting, letting everyone scoop their own perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store the chicken and mac and cheese separately, each in airtight containers, for up to three days. The glaze will thicken and mellow, making the next-day flavors even richer.

Freezing

You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to two months; portion it into freezer-safe containers. The chicken, ideally, is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, slice and freeze it separately, drizzled with a bit of extra glaze to keep it moist.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the mac and cheese gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk until creamy. The chicken can be warmed in the oven, covered loosely with foil at 325°F (163°C) until just heated through. Be sure not to overcook to keep everything juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work great and add even more juiciness. Just adjust the baking time, as they may cook a bit faster — aim for that 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.

Is this dish very spicy?

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese brings a noticeable warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you prefer more kick, feel free to amp up the black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze!

Can I make the mac and cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The sauce stays creamy and delicious with these easy adjustments.

What cheeses work besides sharp cheddar?

You can blend in a bit of Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for some extra flavor. The key is making sure your cheese melts smoothly to keep that luscious texture fans of Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese adore.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the glaze and shred the cheese up to a day in advance, and you can cook the macaroni ahead too. Just make the cheese sauce fresh for the best creamy consistency right before serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese — it’s the kind of meal that delivers pure coziness and just enough excitement to feel special. Gather your favorites, whip this up, and watch smiles light up around your table!

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