why make this recipe
This meal gives you spicy sweet chicken and creamy mac and cheese. It is simple and fast. The flavors balance—sweet honey, black pepper bite, and smooth cheddar sauce. If you like other chicken-and-mac mixes, try this BBQ chicken mac idea at BBQ chicken mac and cheese for another easy twist.
introduction
This dish is great for a weeknight or a simple weekend dinner. You need common ingredients and little work. The chicken bakes while the macaroni cooks, so you save time. The recipe is easy to change for taste or heat.
how to make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Marinate the chicken, bake it, and make a quick cheese sauce for the mac. Keep steps simple and work in order. For a fried version or a different honey-pepper taste, look at this honey lemon and pepper fried chicken wings idea at honey lemon and pepper fried chicken wings.
Ingredients :
- chicken thighs
- honey
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- salt
- macaroni
- cheddar cheese
- milk
- butter
- flour
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Marinate the chicken thighs in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until it thickens.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Serve the glazed chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese.
how to serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Serve warm. Place a portion of mac and cheese on the plate and put a glazed chicken thigh next to it. Garnish with a little extra black pepper or chopped parsley if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to store Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Cool the food to room temperature. Put in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Freeze only the mac and cheese for best results; thaw overnight before reheating.
tips to make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
- Marinate longer (2+ hours) for more flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before baking to help it crisp.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for a smoother sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
- For a different side, try pairing with savory steak and cheese egg rolls for a hearty plate; see savory steak and cheese egg rolls with peppers and onions.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicier: add cayenne or chopped fresh chili to the honey mix.
- Make it milder: reduce black pepper and add more honey.
- Use chicken tenders or breasts instead of thighs.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a new taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Cook time may change. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make the mac and cheese ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and pasta, store in the fridge, and reheat when ready. Mix gently before serving.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
A: Use low heat and add cheese slowly, stirring until fully melted. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux.
Q: Can I bake this in a single dish?
A: Yes. Layer mac and cheese and place glazed chicken on top. Bake until heated through and chicken is cooked.
Conclusion
This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is an easy, comforting meal with bold flavors. If you want a close copy of a popular restaurant take, see this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe for more ideas. For the restaurant dish reference and menu details, check the Applebee’s version at Applebee’s® Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken.
Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 pieces chicken thighs Skinless and boneless preferred
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups macaroni Elbow or any pasta shape
- 2 cups cheddar cheese Shredded
- 2 cups milk Whole or low-fat
- 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted recommended
- 2 tablespoons flour All-purpose or gluten-free alternative
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Marinate the chicken thighs in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until it thickens.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Serve the glazed chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese.
