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Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
Emily

Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken Mac

A cozy and indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese, topped with juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavors — the ultimate comfort meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot for pasta
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Slice chicken into strips, return to the skillet, and coat with the honey pepper sauce.
  6. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  7. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux.
  8. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Combine pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
  11. Serve mac and cheese topped with sliced honey pepper chicken and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat. For a smoky kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. Try topping with extra cheese and broiling for 2–3 minutes to create a golden crust.