Description

Tender chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, served over creamy mac and cheese—comfort food at its boldest and best.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Honey

Soy sauce

Apple cider vinegar

Ground black pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Ground cayenne pepper

For the Macaroni Cheese:

Macaroni pasta

Butter

All-purpose flour

Milk

Sharp cheddar cheese

Mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.

In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Slice chicken into strips and toss in the sauce.

Meanwhile, cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux (1 minute).

Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss cooked pasta with cheese sauce.

Serve mac and cheese topped with honey pepper chicken strips and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra flavor.

Control spice by adjusting cayenne or adding more honey.

Switch cheeses for flavor variation (Gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby).

Add broccoli or spinach to the mac for a veggie boost.

For a baked version, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F until golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: American