Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese: Flavorful Easy Dinner 🍯🌶️🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for a *quick and flavorful weeknight dinner*? The honey pepper chicken with creamy mac & cheese is the perfect answer. This easy honey pepper chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, paired with rich, cheesy pasta. Whether you’re craving comfort food or an impressive yet simple dish to serve family and friends, this chicken mac and cheese recipe offers both convenience and incredible flavor in one bowl.
2. Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cooked macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions for the Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and black pepper to create the honey pepper glaze. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
Cooking the Honey Pepper Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional black pepper or drizzle more honey during cooking. Check out more chicken recipes like chicken shawarma calories for other savory delights.
Preparing the Mac & Cheese
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, heat the milk or heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth, creating a rich cheese sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and stir in the cooked pasta. For healthier alternatives, see healthy easy broccoli pasta.
Combining & Serving
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, toss the chicken into the cheese pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful cheese sauce. Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness. This chicken mac and cheese recipe is truly a flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm in a skillet over low heat. If the cheese sauce thickens upon refrigeration, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture. For more tips, visit our guide to creamy pasta tricks.
5. Serving Suggestions & Pairings for the Flavorful Dinner
This easy honey pepper chicken with mac & cheese pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For an added touch of flavor, serve with warm garlic bread or a simple side of roasted veggies. For more tasty side options, check out the healthy broccoli pasta.
6. FAQs about Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese
What is the best way to marinate chicken for honey pepper flavor?
Marinate chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper for at least 20 minutes to ensure the flavors infuse deeply. You can also add garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
How long does it take to prepare this flavorful weeknight dinner?
With efficient prep, you can make this easy honey pepper chicken with mac & cheese in approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes! The sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze is kid-friendly, especially if you adjust the amount of black pepper. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors.
7. Final Tips for the Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ensure your chicken is tender and evenly coated with the honey pepper mixture. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes. When preparing the cheese sauce, stir continuously to prevent burning for a silky, smooth finish. This chicken-based dinner combines ease and flavor, making it ideal for busy nights or weekend indulgence.
8. Related Recipes & Inspiration
- Explore more chicken recipes
- Korean-style beef bowl for diverse flavors
- Sweet treats to complement your meal
9. Conclusion
In summary, the honey pepper chicken with mac & cheese is an easy honey pepper chicken recipe that is perfect for any busy weeknight. Combining tender chicken coated in a honey pepper glaze with cheesy pasta creates a *flavorful dinner* that is sure to impress family and friends alike. This dish’s simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility make it a staple for anyone looking to prepare a satisfying and quick homemade meal. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in less than 40 minutes!
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Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese: Flavorful Easy Dinner
Enjoy a flavorful and easy dinner with Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy Mac & Cheese. This quick recipe combines juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze with cheesy pasta for the perfect family-friendly meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cooked macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix honey, soy sauce, and black pepper in a bowl to create the honey pepper glaze. Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat milk or heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked honey pepper chicken to the pasta and stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Feel free to substitute different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
- If the cheese sauce thickens, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible, can be adapted to gluten-free or low-sodium
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
