Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the delectable combination of Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich honey-pepper glaze perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

The fusion of spicy and sweet flavors is a hallmark of many culinary traditions, particularly in Asian and American cuisines. The honey pepper chicken draws inspiration from classic American barbecue flavors, while the creamy macaroni cheese roots trace back to comfort food staples beloved in American households. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a unique and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

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For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In the same skillet, pour in the honey pepper mixture. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Coat the Chicken:
   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them thoroughly in the spicy honey pepper glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated and heated through.

Preparing the Creamy Macaroni Cheese

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7. Cook the Macaroni:
   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and bubbly.
9. Add the Milk and Cream:
   • Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
10. Add the Cheese:
    • Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11. Season the Sauce:
    • Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all the flavors.
12. Combine with Macaroni:
    • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce.

Serving the Dish

13. Plate the Dish:
    • On a large serving platter, place a generous helping of the creamy macaroni cheese. Top it with the spicy honey pepper chicken breasts.
14. Garnish:
    • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
15. Serve:
    • Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes. For more spice, add a bit more.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations in the macaroni cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or chicken broth.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich and indulgent, providing a hearty meal with a balance of proteins, carbs, and fats. Enjoy it as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea.
• Sides: Complement with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a luxurious, comforting dish perfect for any special meal or family gathering. The harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors will leave your guests asking for seconds. Follow this detailed recipe to create an unforgettable dining experience.