Description
Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a rich, flavorful comfort food that combines tender honey-glazed chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory — ideal for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
½ cup pure honey
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for cheese sauce)
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper.
2. In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey and freshly ground black pepper until combined into a glossy glaze.
4. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour half of the glaze over it.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. In a pot, melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk in flour to create a light roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
8. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
9. Combine macaroni with the cheese sauce and season to taste.
10. Serve baked chicken drizzled with remaining honey pepper glaze alongside creamy mac and cheese.
Notes
Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Make-ahead option: Bake chicken and prepare sauce separately; refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm mac and cheese with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Food safety: if you cook the chicken yourself, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the USDA and Health Canada.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg