Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that will elevate your dinner game. This dish combines tender chicken coated in a rich honey pepper sauce with a side of luscious, creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Prepare Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly with the sauce.
Cook Pasta:
- Boil the macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well combined.
Serve:
- Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese.
- Top with the honey pepper chicken strips.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Kcal: Approx. 650 kcal per serving