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