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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. The chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze with bell peppers and spices, then baked to perfection. Paired with classic homemade macaroni and cheese, this meal offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken 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 (whole or 2%)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Coat the boneless skinless chicken thighs thoroughly with this marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
  2. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Add salt to taste.
  5. Combine and serve: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
  • You can substitute the cheddar with your favorite cheese blend for different flavors.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can enhance its richness.
  • Leftover chicken pairs well with salads or wraps.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken, baked chicken thighs, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/