Print

Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

A delightful dish combining sweet honey-glazed chicken with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • Honey (1/2 cup)
  • Black Pepper (1-2 tsp)
  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
  • Macaroni (8 oz)
  • Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
  • Milk (2 cups)
  • Butter (2 tbsp)
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  3. Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish or air fryer basket. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For air frying, cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt to taste.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  7. Plate the Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken alongside a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the chicken over it.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken recipe, mac and cheese, sweet and spicy, family dinner, comfort food