Irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and comforting. Juicy chicken breasts are oven-baked in a rich honey garlic glaze with a peppery kick, then served alongside creamy, cheesy homemade mac and cheese. The contrast between the sticky heat of the chicken and the smooth, velvety pasta creates a dish that’s irresistible for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. With pantry-friendly ingredients and a simple prep process, this meal turns ordinary chicken and pasta into a flavor-packed feast. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings bold taste and cozy satisfaction to every plate.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup pure honey

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• Salt to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and mix until smooth.

3. Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour half of the honey glaze over the chicken and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Make Cheese Sauce: In a pot, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

6. Serve: Drizzle remaining honey glaze over baked chicken. Plate with a generous scoop of mac and cheese on the side.
   
   

Estimated Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx. 400g)

• Calories: 680 kcal

• Protein: 41g

• Total Fat: 34g

  • Saturated Fat: 20g

• Cholesterol: 150mg

• Carbohydrates: 58g

  • Sugar: 17g

  • Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 850mg