Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken, a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness from honey and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal that sizzles with flavor, making it ideal for both cozy weeknight dinners and impressive gatherings. Paired with creamy macaroni cheese, this dish envelops you in warmth and comfort with every bite. The harmony of textures and tastes will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or reduced-fat)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for about one minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened (about 3 minutes). Stir in cheeses until melted and combined.
- Combine cheesy macaroni with the cooked pasta. Serve alongside honey pepper chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 plate (360g)
- Calories: 683
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 121mg