Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac

This spicy honey pepper chicken with mac and cheese combines tender chicken glazed with a sweet-heat honey sauce alongside creamy, cheesy pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. The contrast between the honey-glazed chicken and rich mac and cheese creates a memorable meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.

I first made this dish when my in-laws came for dinner unexpectedly. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested at most family gatherings, especially during the colder months when comfort food reigns supreme.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts fresh protein that stays juicy when baked with the glaze
• Fresh garlic provides aromatic foundation that infuses the honey glaze
• Pure honey creates the signature sweet coating look for local varieties for best flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper adds essential heat to balance the sweetness
• Unsalted butter creates richness in both chicken glaze and cheese sauce
• Elbow macaroni perfect shape for holding creamy cheese sauce
• Sharp cheddar cheese provides bold flavor choose aged cheddar for more complexity
• Whole milk creates silky smooth cheese sauce avoid substituting lower fat versions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Pat them completely dry with paper towels first this ensures the glaze adheres properly and promotes browning. The drier the chicken the better the caramelization.

Create the Honey Glaze

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds avoid browning which creates bitterness. Stir in honey and continue stirring until completely incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and glossy with a golden amber color.

Bake the Chicken

Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish with some space between each piece. Pour half the glaze evenly over the chicken ensuring each piece gets coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes the exact time depends on thickness of chicken breasts. For perfect doneness use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F. The glaze will caramelize creating a beautiful sticky coating.

Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil add a generous amount of salt the pasta water should taste like seawater. Add macaroni and cook until al dente about 7-8 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve half cup of pasta water before draining this starchy water helps the sauce adhere to pasta.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat then whisk in flour to create a paste. Cook this roux for about a minute until it smells slightly nutty but remains pale in color. Gradually whisk in milk about half cup at a time ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue stirring until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add cheese in handfuls stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce is smooth.

Assemble and Serve

Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Slice chicken and arrange over individual portions of mac and cheese. Drizzle remaining honey glaze over chicken for an extra boost of flavor and visual appeal.

Pin

The most crucial element of this dish is getting the right balance in the honey pepper glaze. My family discovered this recipe evolved from my grandmother's signature honey glazed chicken, but I added the black pepper kick after tasting a similar dish at a local restaurant. The contrast between sweet and heat is what transforms this from an ordinary chicken dish into something truly special.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. Prepare the honey glaze up to three days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply warm it gently before using. The mac and cheese can be made a day ahead though you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore its creamy texture. Even the chicken can be seasoned and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually helps develop more flavor.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different flavor profiles. For a citrus twist, add orange or lemon zest to the honey glaze. Spice lovers can increase the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. For an Asian-inspired version, incorporate a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger into the glaze. The mac and cheese can also be customized with different cheese combinations try smoked gouda for depth or pepper jack for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is satisfying on its own, a simple green vegetable makes it a complete meal. Steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad provides textural contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. For special occasions, serve with roasted asparagus drizzled with the extra honey glaze. A cold glass of sweet tea complements the sweet and spicy chicken beautifully, while beer enthusiasts might appreciate how an IPA stands up to the bold flavors.

Pin

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work excellently in this dish and often provide more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time to about 5-7 minutes longer as thighs typically need more time to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey glaze. For a different spicy profile, try incorporating a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the glaze.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components separately up to a day ahead. Store the cooked chicken and prepared mac and cheese separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the mac and cheese with a splash of milk, and warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, adding fresh glaze before serving.

→ What cheese alternatives work well for the mac and cheese?

While sharp cheddar provides classic flavor, excellent substitutes include Gruyère for nuttiness, fontina for creaminess, or a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra meltability. For a more complex profile, try adding a small amount of parmesan or gouda.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Complement this hearty main with lighter sides like roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette. For a complete comfort food experience, add buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious honey glaze.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Heat the mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk and stirring frequently to restore creaminess.