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Easy Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese combines tender, juicy chicken glazed in a bold honey-pepper sauce with rich, velvety mac and cheese. The sweet heat of the chicken balances perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a comforting and flavorful dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  3. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  5. Stir and scrape browned bits from the pan, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce, simmering another 5 minutes while flipping occasionally.
  7. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  8. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  9. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
  10. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until smooth and melted.
  11. Mix in ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  12. Fold in macaroni until fully coated in cheese sauce.
  13. Serve chicken alongside creamy mac and cheese.

Notes

  • For crispier chicken, sear an extra minute on high heat before lowering temperature.
  • Adjust cayenne for more or less heat.
  • Simmer sauce longer for a thicker glaze.
  • Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
  • Try penne or shells instead of elbow macaroni if desired.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 720

Find it online: https://easyrecipes.cookingtastes.com/easy-sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-creamy-mac-and-cheese/