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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese: A Flavorful Delight for Busy Weeknights

Let’s face it: some days you just want to skip the fancy restaurant and whip up something special at home without it feeling like an Olympic event. Lucky for you, Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is here to save the day! This scrumptious recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s quick to prepare but packed with flavor. Ready to astonish your taste buds and impress your family? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Imagine a bustling weeknight where everyone’s rushing in different directions but the aroma wafting from your kitchen pulls them back together. This dish does just that! The balance of sweet honey and spicy pepper creates a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner table the favorite spot in your home. Plus, who doesn’t love a side of creamy macaroni cheese? It’s like a cozy hug of comfort food, making this meal a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Macaroni Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix honey, olive oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. Yes, I know! It’s hard to wait, but trust me—good things come to those who wait.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Keep the juices flowing by not flipping it too soon. You want that perfect glaze!

3. Garnish and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Making the Creamy Macaroni Cheese

1. Boil the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and throw in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, and then drain.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux (let’s call it your magic thickener), then gradually whisk in milk. Keep stirring until thick, about 3-4 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar cheese until it’s ooey-gooey and delightfully cheesy.

4. Combine: Fold in the cooked macaroni until every elbow is coated in that cheesy goodness.

5. Serve It Up: Plate a generous scoop of chicken next to a heap of creamy macaroni cheese. Bon appétit!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Execution

• Honey for Days: If you’re out of honey, maple syrup works too! It will give your chicken a different sweetness but still tastes divine.
• Pasta Perils: Don’t be afraid to add some extra cheese on top of your macaroni. I mean, can you ever really have enough cheese? Ask my kids; their cheesy smiles say it all!
• Leftover Love: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days and reheated in the microwave. Just add a splash of milk to keep the macaroni creamy!

A Little Personal Note

You know, this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese became a staple in my home the first time my kids devoured it louder than a herd of wild animals. It quickly turned into our go-to dish for family gatherings, sparking some lovely memories of laughter around the dinner table. Food isn’t just about taste; it’s about those moments we share—and this dish definitely brings us closer.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the chicken with tofu? Absolutely! Firm tofu works perfectly and will soak up those sweet and spicy marinated flavors.

• How can I store leftovers? Keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be prepared for a minor food fight at mealtime because everyone will want a taste!

• What other sides go well with this dish? Roasted vegetables or a crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.

Next time you’re in a dinner rut searching for something easy yet delicious, I hope you remember this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. Whip it up, gather your family, and let the flavor celebrations begin! Remember, cooking shared with love is the best kind of cooking.

Explore more of my recipes for those busy days when you need a meal that not only fulfills but delights!

Meta Description: Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the perfect recipe for your busy weeknights. Quick, easy, and delicious, try it today!

A Flavorful Delight for Busy Weeknights

Author: Dana R Cooking Method:Skillet Cooking Boiling Cuisine:American Courses:Main Course

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: Total time: 50 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:800 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a delicious and quick meal perfect for family gatherings, combining sweet and spicy flavors with a comforting side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt u0026amp; pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, olive oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
4. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and throw in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, and then drain.
5. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk. Keep stirring until thick, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar cheese until it’s gooey and delightfully cheesy.
7. Fold in the cooked macaroni until every elbow is coated in that cheesy goodness.
8. Plate a generous scoop of chicken next to a heap of creamy macaroni cheese. Bon appétit!

Keywords:chicken, macaroni cheese, quick meal, weeknight dinner