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A close-up of golden-brown honey pepper chicken breasts topped with a glossy honey glaze and sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper, served alongside creamy macaroni and cheese with melted cheese bubbling on top. The dish is plated on a rustic wooden table with a garnish of chopped herbs for color.

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac & Cheese: Flavorful Easy Dinner

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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. While the chicken cooks, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a saucepan, heat milk or heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • 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