Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless: 2 lbs
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper, freshly cracked: 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon (or more to taste)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Macaroni pasta: 1 lb
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 4 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Add chicken to the marinade, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
- Step 2: Cook the macaroni. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
- Step 4: Make the creamy cheese sauce. While the chicken is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Combine mac & cheese and serve. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Serve the Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken over the creamy mac & cheese immediately.
Notes
- For easier reheating, keep the chicken and mac & cheese separate to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mac & cheese to restore its creamy texture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and a fresh bite.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; cook in batches to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American