Looking for the ultimate comfort meal with a kick? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese combines bold, exciting flavors with rich, cheesy goodness. The crispy, honey-glazed chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, while the creamy macaroni cheese adds a velvety, cheesy layer of comfort.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. In this recipe, we’ll break down how to prepare the honey pepper chicken and the creamy macaroni cheese step-by-step. Plus, we’ll provide tips for getting the best flavor and texture, along with some tasty variations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this dish will become your new favorite:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: It combines sweet honey, spicy pepper, and savory cheese for a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Make: The steps are simple, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, creamy mac and cheese paired with crispy, flavorful chicken makes for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or cheese blend to suit your tastes.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
If you love flavor-packed comfort meals, you should also check out this Creamy Chicken Carbonara for another satisfying dinner idea.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
First, let’s bread and fry the chicken.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Afterward, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
Next, let’s create the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
- Simmer the Glaze:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Butter:
- Stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Finally, brush or toss the fried chicken with the honey pepper glaze until fully coated.
3. Prepare the Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Now, let’s make the creamy mac and cheese.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
️ Serving Suggestions
To bring everything together, serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside a generous portion of creamy macaroni cheese. Here are a few additional serving ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a Side Salad: Pair it with a light salad like this Fresh and Simple Italian Garden Salad for balance.
- Cornbread: Serve with a slice of buttery cornbread for an extra layer of comfort.
️ Tips for Success
- Double Fry for Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, fry it a second time for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect creaminess.
Tips for Creamy Macaroni Cheese
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese:
- Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
- Add More Flavor:
- Stir in a dash of Dijon mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Keep it Creamy:
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it in countless ways. Here are some creative variations to try:
1. Baked Honey Pepper Chicken
- Healthier Option: Skip the frying and bake the chicken instead.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with the honey pepper glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.
2. Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken
- Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce to the honey glaze for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Perfect for summer cookouts or game-day snacks.
3. Air Fryer Honey Pepper Chicken
- For a faster, lower-fat option, use an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry the breaded chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toss with the honey pepper glaze and air fry for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
4. Buffalo Honey Pepper Chicken
- Mix 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the honey glaze for a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Pair with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
5. Three-Cheese Macaroni
- Mix up your cheese blend for a richer mac and cheese:
- Use a combination of cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and broil for a golden, bubbly crust.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this rich, flavorful dish with the right beverage and sides to elevate your meal experience:
- Fresh Salad: A light salad like this Fresh and Simple Italian Garden Salad balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm buttery cornbread complements the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish is perfect for leftovers! Follow these tips to keep your honey pepper chicken and macaroni cheese tasting fresh:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store the chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chicken (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Freeze the mac and cheese for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
- Chicken: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Macaroni Cheese: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make the Honey Pepper Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using.
2. What’s the Best Cheese for Macaroni Cheese?
A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan works best for a rich, gooey texture. You can also try Gouda or Gruyère for extra flavor.
3. How Do I Make the Dish Less Spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in the glaze and the black pepper in the breading for a milder version.
4. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook.
5. Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweet heat of the honey pepper glaze paired with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni cheese makes for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.
For more comfort food recipes, explore this Creamy Chicken Carbonara or these Homemade Light Brioche Buns for the perfect accompaniment.
️ Happy Cooking, and Enjoy Every Bite! ✨