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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

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A flavorful fusion of sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy macaroni cheese, combining heat, sweetness, and rich, cheesy comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: 2

Salt and pepper: to taste

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Honey: 1/2 cup

Soy sauce: 1/4 cup

Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon

Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon

Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

Macaroni pasta: 8 ounces

Butter: 2 tablespoons

All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons

Milk: 2 cups

Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups

Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup

Salt and pepper: to taste

Parsley, chopped: for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat well.
  4. In a separate pot, boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses for the macaroni, such as gouda, fontina, or blue cheese for added depth of flavor.
  • Spicy Adjustments: Adjust the spice level by modifying the cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
  • Marinated Chicken: Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the sauce for a deeper flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Reheat the macaroni cheese by adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://recipesbyjanet.com/sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-creamy-macaroni-cheese/