Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful comfort food meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a honey and spice blend with a classic cheesy pasta. Perfect for dinner, this recipe balances sweet, smoky, and spicy notes with the rich, cheesy macaroni side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Stir well to create a marinade. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and serve: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve the macaroni and cheese alongside the baked sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more intense flavors.
- Use sharp cheddar for a tangy, rich cheese sauce; mild cheddar or a blend can also be used for a different taste.
- Ensure the roux does not brown too much when making the cheese sauce to keep it creamy.
- Leftover macaroni and cheese can be reheated in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Baked Chicken Thighs
