Description
Tender, juicy chicken shines under a sweet and spicy honey glaze, paired with creamy macaroni and cheese for a comforting meal. This easy recipe combines unique flavors that are sure to impress at dinner. Quick to prepare and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy a delicious twist on classic comfort food that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 2 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup Macaroni Pasta, elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, sharp
- 1/2 cup Milk, whole or 2%
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup Broccoli Florets
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping together.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk to the saucepan.
- Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Keep mixing until smooth and creamy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, loosen it up with a touch more milk.
- In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the 2 chicken breasts with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken.
- Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from heat and slice.
- Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and macaroni and cheese separately for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, place the macaroni and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help restore creaminess. Heat the chicken in a microwave or skillet until warmed through. Ensure both are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Serving: Serve the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken sliced on top of the creamy macaroni and cheese, garnishing with additional black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation. Add steamed broccoli florets on the side for a nutritious touch.
Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in honey and black pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the sweet and spicy profile of the dish, making it even more delicious!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Backen
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0