Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a honey and pepper glaze, baked to perfection, and served with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a comforting dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Macaroni and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Combine and serve: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for more intense flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the dish’s spiciness.
- To make the cheese sauce creamier, use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keywords: honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken, baked chicken thighs, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
