Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

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The day I first made this dish, we’d just come home from my son’s science fair. He didn’t win. He was crushed. I was tired. And I needed a meal that felt like a warm blanket but still sparked joy. That’s when this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese came to life in my kitchen.

It was one of those “accidental brilliance” dinners. I had some chicken breasts thawing, a craving for something sticky-sweet with a peppery bite, and a pot of creamy mac and cheese leftover from lunch. What happened next was magic—bold, cozy, and shockingly easy.

What Is Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese?

This dish brings together the best of both worlds: fiery-sweet glazed chicken and ultra-creamy homemade macaroni cheese. The chicken is marinated in a sticky sauce of honey, soy, and vinegar, then seared and finished in its own thickened glaze. The macaroni cheese? Gooey, cheesy, sharp, and silky.

It’s southern comfort meets bold flavor fusion. And it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Bold & balanced flavors – sweet, heat, creamy, savory
  • Family-friendly – kids love the mac, adults devour the chicken
  • Versatile – perfect for casual weeknights or weekend feasts
  • Customizable – swap cheeses or spice levels to your liking
  • Meal-prep winner – reheats like a dream

Tools You’ll Need

  • Skillet for chicken
  • Pot for macaroni and cheese
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Cheese grater

Tips for Making the Best Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicke

  • Marinate longer for more flavor. 30 minutes is fine, but overnight is magic.
  • Adjust heat to taste. Add more cayenne or chili flakes for extra kick.
  • Use fresh, quality cheese. Pre-shredded won’t melt as creamy.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken. Juicy is the goal.
  • Cook pasta al dente. So it doesn’t turn mushy once sauced.

Ingredients

Honey Pepper Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Creamy Macaroni Cheese

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or rice flour for GF)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Season the chicken, coat with the marinade, and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest under foil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining marinade. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Slice chicken and return to coat in sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a bubble, reduce heat, and stir in cheeses until melted. Season to taste.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Toss pasta with cheese sauce. Plate with honey pepper chicken strips on top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

  • Balance the sauce. Taste before finishing—adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
  • Use full-fat dairy. For the creamiest macaroni cheese.
  • Add protein to the mac. Stir in chicken if you want everything mixed.
  • Double the sauce. Trust me, it’s that good.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store chicken and macaroni separately up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Chicken and sauce freeze well. Pasta can be frozen but may lose texture.
  • Reheat: Warm chicken in skillet or microwave. Add splash of milk to pasta when reheating.

FAQs

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta, tamari instead of soy sauce, and rice flour in the cheese sauce.

What cheese substitutes work well?
Smoked gouda, Swiss, or provolone all melt beautifully and add unique flavors.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Store components separately and reheat gently. It’s great for meal prep or gatherings.

Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat. You can reduce or increase the cayenne based on your preference.

What can I serve with it?
A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or lemony green beans balance the richness well.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese isn’t just a recipe—it’s a flavor celebration. It’s the kind of dish that brings people back to the table, lifts moods, and reminds you how healing a home-cooked meal can be.

Whether you’re comforting your kids after a rough day or impressing dinner guests, this meal always delivers. Bold, creamy, spicy-sweet—just like life itself.

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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

  • Author: Kelly Merritt
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a bold and comforting dinner. Juicy glazed chicken meets ultra-creamy cheddar macaroni for a meal that’s both cozy and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or rice flour for GF)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a bowl. Coat chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside under foil.
  3. Add remaining marinade to skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Slice chicken and return to pan to coat.
  4. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Whisk in milk slowly and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add cheeses, stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Toss macaroni with cheese sauce. Serve topped with honey pepper chicken and garnish with parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. To make it spicier, add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the glaze. Store leftovers separately and reheat gently with a splash of milk in the pasta.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Creamy Macaroni Cheese, sweet and spicy chicken, easy dinner

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