Go Back
–+ servings
spicy honey pepper chicken

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken for Comfort Food Lovers

Enjoy the delightful fusion of spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy macaroni cheese, a perfect meal for comfort food lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Substitute with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be swapped with vegetable or canola oil.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Honey Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar works in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground offers the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Switch to fresh garlic for more robust taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted if preferred.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust for spice preference.
For the Macaroni Cheese
  • 2 cups Macaroni Pasta Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Margarine can serve as dairy-free substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free blend if required.
  • 2 cups Milk Almond or oat milk for dairy-free adaptations.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Substitute with favorite blend for variety.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Consider pepper jack for extra heat.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Can be omitted if unavailable.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  2. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring it's well-coated and heated through.
  4. Meanwhile, boil a pot of salted water and add macaroni pasta. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  5. In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated and creamy.
  8. Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top with the spicy honey pepper chicken. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle a little extra honey on top for added sweetness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!