Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken with sweet-spicy glaze served alongside creamy macaroni and cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
03 - 1/2 cup pure honey
04 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 - Salt to taste
→ Mac and Cheese
07 - 2 cups elbow macaroni
08 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 2 cups whole milk
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - Salt to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey until smooth.
03 - Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour half the honey glaze over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
04 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - In another pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, then add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted.
06 - Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Serve the baked chicken drizzled with the remaining honey glaze alongside the creamy mac and cheese.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in under an hour for a complete meal
- Perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy pepper, and savory cheese flavors
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights
02 -
- High in protein with 41g per serving
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated
- Versatile recipe that works with different cheese combinations
03 -
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing to keep juices inside
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to thin cheese sauce if needed
- For the crispiest chicken exterior, place under broiler for final 2 minutes of cooking