Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures. The honey glaze with a hint of cayenne adds a delightful kick to tender chicken thighs, while the cheesy macaroni complements every bite. It’s an inviting meal that will satisfy your cravings for both sweet and savory.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and the chopped bell pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While the chicken bakes, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth, then gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the honey pepper chicken for a delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level—reduce it for milder flavor or add more for extra spice.
- For a richer cheese sauce, try blending in some cream cheese or using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to the macaroni for added nutrition and color.
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook to keep them juicy.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For the macaroni and cheese, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge to deepen the flavors. Just be sure to bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour for the cheese sauce and regular elbow macaroni, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta.
PrintSweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served with creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs are marinated in a honey glaze with paprika, cayenne, and chopped bell peppers for a sweet heat, then baked to perfection. Paired with a rich, sharp cheddar macaroni and cheese, this dish offers a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until all pasta is well coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more robust cheese sauce flavor.
- Rest the baked chicken for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or penne if preferred.
Keywords: honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken thighs, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
