Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful combination of tender, honey-glazed chicken thighs with a hint of heat from paprika and cayenne, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that balances sweetness, spice, and rich textures, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marination)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes macaroni, 25-30 minutes chicken, 5 minutes cheese sauce)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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 and 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 to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs thoroughly with this mixture 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 elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, will intensify the flavors.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- The cheese sauce can be customized by adding a pinch of mustard powder or smoked paprika for depth.
- Leftover macaroni and cheese can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Chicken, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
