Honey Pepper Chicken Mac
This dish features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 medium pot for cooking pasta
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 8 to 12 ounces elbow macaroni or similar pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook in skillet until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and coating the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for one minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Divide mac and cheese into bowls and top with honey-pepper-glazed chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust black pepper and cayenne for desired heat.
- Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.
- Prepare chicken ahead and reheat to save time.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for alternate protein options.