This Irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy comfort food. The chicken is glazed with a sticky honey-pepper sauce that delivers a punch of flavor with just the right amount of heat. Paired with rich and cheesy macaroni, this meal is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
  

• 1/4 cup honey
  
  

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  

• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• Salt, to taste
  
  

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  
  

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
  

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 2 cups milk
  
  

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
  

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
  

• Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
  
  

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
   
   

2. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
   
   

3. Coat the Chicken:
   Return chicken to the skillet and coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
   
   

4. Cook the Mac and Cheese:
   Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
   Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
   
   

5. Combine:
   Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a crunchy topping.
   
   

6. Serve:
   Plate the spicy honey pepper chicken alongside creamy mac and cheese. Enjoy hot.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):

• Calories: 650 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 28 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 12 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 110 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 850 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 58 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  
  

• Sugars: 15 g
  
  

• Protein: 45 g