Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese - Naomi's Recipes

Indulge in a delicious blend of flavors with this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the marinated chicken brings an irresistible sweetness and heat, while the velvety mac and cheese offers a comforting side. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this dish is a family favorite. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch and enjoy every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups milk

1 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor) in the refrigerator.

Cook the Macaroni:

- While the chicken marinates, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens.

- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked macaroni until well coated.

Cook the Chicken:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and pan-sear chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked.

- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

Serve:

- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese on one side and top with sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a pop of color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4