Print

Easy Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese – Ultimate Comfort Dinner

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese combines juicy, seasoned chicken glazed in a bold honey-pepper sauce with rich, creamy homemade mac and cheese. The sweet heat of the chicken perfectly balances the cheesy pasta for a comforting, indulgent, and flavor-packed dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt.
  3. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to skillet.
  5. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring and scraping browned bits.
  6. Return chicken and coat in sauce, simmering another 5 minutes until glazed.
  7. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes, then drain.
  8. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
  9. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
  10. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
  11. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  12. Fold in macaroni until fully coated.
  13. Serve chicken with creamy mac and cheese.

Notes

  • Increase cayenne for more heat or reduce for milder flavor.
  • Let sauce simmer longer for a thicker glaze.
  • Use sharp cheddar for stronger cheese flavor.
  • Try penne or shells instead of elbow macaroni.
  • Sear chicken longer for a crispier exterior.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dinner.lillyrecipes.com/easy-sweet-and-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-creamy-mac-and-cheese-ultimate-comfort-dinner/