Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
– 8 ounces macaroni pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the honey pepper sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
8. Serve the Honey Pepper Chicken over a bed of creamy macaroni cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 2-4 servings
