Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Who doesn’t love a comforting, delicious meal that is both savory and satisfying? Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese brings together tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful, spicy glaze that balances out the creamy macaroni cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or any time you’re craving something comforting and full of flavor. The combination of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and tangy vinegar makes for a glaze that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce and macaroni. So, if you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal, this recipe is for you!

Tools Needed

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following tools:

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cooking spoon
• Pasta pot
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and chopping board (for chopping parsley)

Number of Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people.

Cooking Time:

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that will guide you to making this delicious dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Macaroni Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds a bit of flavor to the chicken before it’s glazed.

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken

Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the sweet and spicy glaze. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so that the glaze thickens and sticks to the chicken, creating a beautiful glossy finish. Remove the skillet from the heat and keep the chicken warm.

Step 4: Prepare the Macaroni Cheese

While the chicken is simmering, start cooking the macaroni. Boil water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, until the pasta is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step is essential to thicken your cheese sauce.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat the pasta evenly. This will ensure that every bite of macaroni is covered in rich, cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

To serve, divide the creamy macaroni cheese onto plates. Place the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken tenders on top of the macaroni cheese. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Recommendations for Recipe Success

• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce or omit it entirely. Conversely, for more heat, you can increase the sriracha or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Use fresh chicken: Fresh chicken tenders work best for this recipe, as they remain tender and juicy when cooked.
• Use high-quality cheddar cheese: The cheese is the star of the macaroni, so make sure you use a good-quality cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Don’t skip the simmering step for the glaze: This is crucial for thickening the sauce and ensuring that it clings to the chicken, giving you that perfect, glossy finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving tips: This dish is perfect for a family meal, date night, or a casual dinner party. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chicken and macaroni cheese in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You can also freeze the macaroni cheese separately for up to 3 months, but the chicken may lose some of its texture when frozen.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts will take longer to cook through. Slice them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make the macaroni cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the macaroni cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce. You could also add a finely chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.

4. Can I make the glaze without soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

5. Can I use a different type of pasta for the macaroni cheese?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a truly satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds – spicy and sweet chicken with rich, creamy pasta. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its balance of flavors and comforting texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to try this recipe today, and let it bring joy to your table!