Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

This spicy honey pepper chicken with mac and cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible meal. The sweet and spicy glazed chicken pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy pasta for a dinner that satisfies both grown-up tastes and picky eaters alike.

I created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when my family needed something both comforting and exciting. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested at every birthday dinner and special occasion in our house.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts fresh chicken ensures juiciness and even cooking
• Fresh garlic minced for aromatic flavor that complements both components
• Pure honey provides natural sweetness and helps create the perfect glaze
• Freshly ground black pepper using freshly ground creates a more robust flavor than pre-ground
• Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level while adding richness
• Elbow macaroni the classic shape that holds cheese sauce in every ridge
• Sharp cheddar cheese aged cheddar provides the most flavor depth in the sauce
• Whole milk creates the creamiest texture for the mac and cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season four chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Make sure to pat them dry first with paper towels to help seasonings adhere better and promote browning. A well-seasoned base is crucial for flavor depth.

Create the Honey Glaze

Melt a quarter cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add three cloves of minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds being careful not to brown it as garlic becomes bitter when overcooked. Pour in half cup of honey and stir continuously until completely incorporated and smooth. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to a baking dish making sure they have a little space between each piece. Pour half of your prepared honey glaze evenly over the chicken reserving the rest for serving. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The glaze will caramelize beautifully on the edges.

Prepare the Pasta

While the chicken bakes bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add two cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente typically 7 to 8 minutes. The pasta should still have a slight bite as it will continue cooking slightly in the cheese sauce. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in two tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce. Gradually add two cups of whole milk whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about 3 to 5 minutes.

Finish the Dish

Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the thickened milk mixture a handful at a time stirring until completely melted before adding more. Season with salt to taste. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce ensuring every piece is well coated. Serve the baked chicken breasts alongside a generous portion of mac and cheese drizzling the remaining honey glaze over the chicken just before serving.

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The honey in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I discovered that using local wildflower honey rather than the commercial varieties adds an incredible depth that complements the black pepper perfectly. My grandmother always said good honey makes all the difference and she was absolutely right this simple ingredient transforms an ordinary chicken dish into something memorable.

Make Ahead Options

This dish works beautifully as a partially prepared meal. You can make the honey glaze up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply warm it gently before using. The mac and cheese component can also be prepared a day ahead up to the point of combining the pasta with the cheese sauce. Store it covered in the refrigerator then reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess while the chicken bakes.

Perfect Pairings

Balance this rich meal with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the honey glaze. A simple arugula salad with lemon juice olive oil and shaved parmesan works particularly well. For beverages consider a cold crisp lager or if you prefer wine a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements both the creamy mac and cheese and the sweet spicy chicken.

Variations To Try

Create a southwestern version by adding a teaspoon of cumin and half teaspoon of smoked paprika to the honey glaze. Top the finished mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips and chopped cilantro. For a more sophisticated adult version add a tablespoon of bourbon to the honey glaze and fold crumbled bacon and caramelized onions into the mac and cheese. You can also make this more kid friendly by reducing the black pepper and adding a tablespoon of orange juice to the glaze for a milder citrusy sweetness.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the chicken breasts with other cuts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs as an alternative. They have more fat, which makes them juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time to about 5-8 minutes longer, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

→ How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the black pepper. For more spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey glaze. For less heat, reduce the amount of black pepper by half.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare components separately up to a day ahead. Store the baked chicken and mac and cheese separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes and the mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

→ What cheese alternatives work well for the mac and cheese?

Gruyere offers a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack provides excellent meltability. A combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates depth of flavor. For a milder version, try Colby or Havarti.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Since this is already a protein and starch combination, a simple green vegetable makes it complete. Try roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main dish.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Visually, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the honey glaze should form a caramelized, sticky coating.