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Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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.