Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances natural sweetness with a bold peppery kick. This gourmet-style comfort food pairs tender, juicy chicken with a rich honey-glaze and creamy macaroni cheese for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken because it offers a sophisticated flavor profile using simple, everyday pantry staples. The combination of caramelized honey and sharp black pepper creates a harmonious contrast that is both hearty and refreshing. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort. Its versatility also makes it easy to adapt for various dietary needs, ensuring it becomes a recurring favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 8 ounces macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 6-7 minutes per side.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest briefly.
3. In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Slice the rested chicken into strips and return them to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sweet and spicy glaze.
5. While the chicken is simmering, cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain.
6. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the white sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
9. To serve, place a generous portion of creamy macaroni cheese on a plate and top it with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To achieve the best results with your Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken, always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning; this removes excess moisture and allows for a better sear. For the creamiest macaroni cheese, grate your cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, as the latter often contains anti-clumping agents that prevent a smooth melt. If you prefer a thicker glaze on your chicken, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute before adding the meat back in, but be careful not to burn the honey.

Variations & Substitutions

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. If you prefer a dairy-free meal, use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken breasts with firm tofu, tempeh, or even roasted cauliflower florets. If you want to lower the carbohydrate count, serve the honey chicken over spiralized zucchini or steamed broccoli instead of macaroni.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is quite rich, so pairing it with a light side can create a more balanced meal. A crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans provides a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta. If you want to lean into the comfort food theme, serve the chicken and mac with a side of warm garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls to soak up the extra honey sauce. A sprinkle of red chili flakes on top can also add an extra layer of visual appeal and heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best to store the chicken and the macaroni cheese in separate containers to maintain their individual textures. When reheating, the macaroni cheese may thicken significantly; simply add a splash of milk before heating it on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its creaminess. While the chicken freezes well for up to two months, the cheese sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing, so fresh preparation of the pasta is recommended for the best experience.

Nutrition Information

Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances natural sweetness with a bold peppery kick. This gourmet-style comfort food pairs tender, juicy chicken with a rich honey-glaze and creamy macaroni cheese for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 780

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Honey Glaze

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Creamy Macaroni Cheese

• 8 ounces macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Garnish

• Chopped parsley

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 6-7 minutes per side.
   2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest briefly.
3. In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
   1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
4. Slice the rested chicken into strips and return them to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sweet and spicy glaze.
5. While the chicken is simmering, cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain.
   8 ounces macaroni pasta
6. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
   2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk
7. Remove the white sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese
8. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
9. To serve, place a generous portion of creamy macaroni cheese on a plate and top it with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
   Chopped parsley

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear, and always grate cheese from a block to ensure a smooth melt. If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute before returning the meat to the pan.

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