Description

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni combines crispy chicken glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce with ultra-creamy three-cheese macaroni for the ultimate comfort food dinner. This restaurant-style recipe delivers bold sweet-heat flavors and cheesy indulgence in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or breasts (cut into 1-inch strips)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

• 1/2 cup honey (divided)

• 2 Tbsp ground black pepper (freshly ground)

• 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dredging)

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Macaroni:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2.5 cups whole milk (warmed)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp white pepper Garnish: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 Tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp cayenne. Add chicken; marinate 15-20 minutes.

2. Cook macaroni al dente (1 min less than package). Drain and rinse cold.

3. Melt butter in pot. Whisk in flour 2 minutes. Add warm milk, whisk until thick (3-4 min).

4. Off heat, stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt/white pepper. Fold in macaroni. Cover warm.

5. Heat oil in skillet medium-high. Dredge chicken in cornstarch. Fry batches 3-4 min/side until 165F. Drain.

6. Drain skillet oil. Add remaining honey, 1 Tbsp pepper, 1 tsp cayenne, garlic/onion powders, vinegar. Simmer to thick glaze.

7. Toss chicken in glaze. Serve over mac, drizzle extra sauce. Garnish.

Notes

• Fresh grate cheese for smooth sauce.

• Taste glaze before coating.

• Air fryer: 375F 10-12 min.

• Store separate: fridge 4 days, reheat mac with milk splash.

• Gluten-free: tamari, GF flour/pasta.

• Spice levels: 1 tsp cayenne = medium.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Stovetop, Pan Fry, Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 650
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 1400mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg