The Best Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Crispy golden chicken drizzled with honey pepper sauce creates an irresistible dance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Layers of creamy macaroni cheese provide the perfect comforting backdrop for this mouthwatering dish.

Bold seasonings and unexpected ingredient combinations bring excitement to your dinner table.

We’ll explore a recipe that blends classic comfort food with modern culinary creativity.

Rich, velvety cheese sauce complements the tender, glazed chicken in every delectable bite.

Quick preparation meets incredible taste, making this meal a weeknight game-changer.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving into this delightful culinary adventure.

Variations for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace hot sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, add cumin and chili powder to the marinade. Top the dish with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap honey for olive oil and lemon juice, use feta cheese in macaroni. Sprinkle with oregano and add kalamata olives as garnish.
• Asian-Inspired Version: Use rice vinegar instead of soy sauce, add ginger and garlic to marinade. Mix sesame oil into macaroni cheese and garnish with green onions.
• Smoky BBQ Remix: Incorporate barbecue sauce into honey marinade, use smoked cheddar cheese in mac and cheese. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Craft a Crisp White Wine Pairing: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sweet and spicy chicken, balancing the rich, creamy macaroni cheese with its bright, zesty notes.
• Select a Hoppy Craft Beer: An IPA or pale ale complements the honey-pepper flavor profile, with its bitter hops enhancing the dish's spicy-sweet complexity.
• Prepare a Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Arugula with orange segments and light vinaigrette provides a tangy, refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and cheese pasta.
• Pour a Smooth Red Zinfandel: A medium-bodied Zinfandel offers berry undertones that harmonize with the honey's sweetness while standing up to the dish's bold flavors.

Storage Recommendations for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and macaroni cheese separately to maintain texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Separate chicken and pasta before freezing. Place in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months, while macaroni cheese freezes for 1-2 months.
• Warm in microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in skillet with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
• Gently warm in microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs About Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• What makes the honey marinade special?

The combination of honey’s sweetness, soy sauce’s saltiness, and hot sauce’s heat creates a perfectly balanced flavor that deeply penetrates the chicken strips.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Macaroni works best for the creamy cheese sauce, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like shells or cavatappi for similar texture and sauce coverage.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken strips are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a golden brown exterior with no pink meat in the center.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of hot sauce you add. You can adjust the heat by using more or less hot sauce to suit your personal preference.

Reasons to Try Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and spicy hot sauce for a bold chicken marinade that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn to perfectly brown chicken and create a creamy cheese sauce with minimal cooking skills, making this recipe approachable for home cooks of all levels.
• Craft Comfort Food with a Kick: Elevate classic macaroni and cheese with zesty honey pepper chicken, delivering a satisfying blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will delight family and friends.
• Create One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet for chicken and peppers, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation a breeze.

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that soaks up the sweet and spicy marinade and creates the main protein of the dish.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Hot Sauce: A flavor-packed combination that adds sweetness, saltiness, and a spicy kick to the chicken.

• Bell Pepper: A colorful vegetable that adds crunch and freshness to the chicken.

• Macaroni Pasta, Cheddar Cheese, Milk: A classic combination that creates a creamy and comforting base for the chicken.

How to Prepare Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Whip Up a Zesty Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Toss in chicken strips, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Let the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors for half an hour.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the marinated chicken strips and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 3: Add Colorful Bell Peppers

Toss sliced bell peppers into the same skillet. Let them dance around for 3-4 minutes until they become wonderfully soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate pot, melt cheddar cheese with milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety liquid that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Dress the Macaroni

Pour the silky cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Gently mix until every single pasta piece is lavishly coated with cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Arrange a bed of creamy macaroni cheese on the plate. Top it with the sizzling honey pepper chicken and bell peppers.

Step 7: Dive In and Enjoy

Grab your fork and get ready for a flavor explosion! This dish combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements that’ll make your meal unforgettable.

Pro Tips for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring each strip is well-coated with the honey soy mixture.
• Use high-quality cheddar cheese for a richer, more luxurious mac and cheese texture and taste.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity according to personal heat tolerance.
• Choose bell peppers at peak ripeness for the most vibrant color and sweetest flavor in the dish.

Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey pepper chicken nestles perfectly alongside rich, creamy macaroni cheese, creating a comforting Southern-style meal that blends sweet and savory flavors. Crispy chicken drizzled with golden honey and sprinkled with cracked pepper promises delightful textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into strips

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup honey (170 grams)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 milliliters)
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (60 milliliters)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni (256 grams)

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Instructions

1. Combine honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Immerse chicken strips in the marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat a skillet to medium heat, ensuring surface is evenly warmed.
4. Transfer marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Introduce sliced bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they develop a slight tenderness.
6. In a separate saucepan, gently melt cheddar cheese with milk over low heat, whisking continuously to achieve a silky consistency.
7. Add cooked macaroni directly into the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is generously coated.
8. Plate the honey-glazed chicken atop the creamy macaroni cheese, creating an appealing presentation.
9. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or cracked black pepper for enhanced visual and flavor appeal.

Notes

• Experiment with different honey varieties like wildflower or clover for unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.
• Enhance protein intake by adding grilled tofu or plant-based chicken as a vegetarian alternative.
• Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt in cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 518 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 785 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg