Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese is a flavorful and comforting meal that combines tender, honey-marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with creamy, sharp cheddar macaroni and cheese. The spicy kick from cayenne pepper complements the sweetness of the honey and bell pepper, making it a perfect dinner option that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- 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
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 and black pepper to taste
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 (whole or 2%)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix together honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and the chopped bell pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this marinade thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and 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 prepared cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a delicious sweet and spicy meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, allow chicken to marinate overnight.
- Use whole milk for creamier cheese sauce, or substitute with lactose-free milk for a low lactose option.
- Make sure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for additional depth of flavor.
Keywords: honey pepper chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked chicken, spicy chicken recipe, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, cheesy macaroni
