Description

This Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with a honey-soy sauce with a rich, cheesy macaroni base. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors alongside a luscious creamy texture from the mac & cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

Mac & Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt (to taste)

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then pat them dry and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make Glaze: In the same skillet, melt a little more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add honey and soy sauce, then simmer the mixture for 1–2 minutes to create the glaze.
Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey-soy glaze. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the chicken is sticky and caramelized with the sauce.
Cook Macaroni: While preparing the chicken, boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook the roux for about 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese: Stir shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the sauce until fully melted and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with salt to taste.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk for desired consistency.
Serve: Spoon creamy mac & cheese into bowls, top with the sweet and spicy glazed chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Use freshly shredded cheeses for better melting and flavor.
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Leftover mac & cheese can be reheated gently with added milk to maintain creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, sweet and spicy chicken, one skillet dinner, comforting chicken recipe