Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

The kitchen smelled incredible when I first made this honey pepper chicken on a rainy Tuesday evening. I hadnt planned anything special for dinner, but my sister was visiting and I wanted to make something that felt like a hug in food form. That sweet spicy glaze hitting the hot chicken filled the whole apartment with this warming aroma that made us both hover around the oven door.

My sister took one bite of that glazed chicken and literally stopped talking mid-sentence. We ended up eating straight from the skillet while standing at the counter because waiting to plate everything felt impossible. Now whenever she visits, this is the first meal she requests.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: Season them generously and sear properly to lock in juices before baking
• Honey and sriracha: This sweet-spicy combo creates that restaurant-style glaze that looks impressive but takes minutes
• Sharp cheddar and mozzarella: The two-cheese blend gives you sharp flavor plus that perfect cheese pull
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Using both makes the sauce silky and rich without being too heavy

Instructions

Season and sear the chicken:

Pat the chicken dry, rub with spices, and get that gorgeous golden crust in a hot oven-safe skillet

Whisk up the honey pepper glaze:

Simmer honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, garlic and pepper until it coats the back of a spoon

Glaze and bake:

Brush half the sauce over the seared chicken and finish in the oven until cooked through

Start the cheese sauce base:

Make a quick roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream until thickened

Melt in the cheese magic:

Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses until smooth, then toss with cooked pasta

Finish and serve:

Brush chicken with remaining glaze, let it rest, then slice and serve over that creamy mac and cheese

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This recipe has become my go-to for comfort cravings, that night when nothing sounds better than something warm and satisfying. Theres something about cutting into that glazed chicken and seeing those steam juices run out into the cheese sauce below.

Getting That Perfect Sear

Hot skillet and patience are your best friends here. Dont move the chicken around once it hits the pan and let it develop that golden-brown crust. That little bit of fond left in the skillet adds so much flavor to the final dish.

Cheese Sauce Secrets

Grating your own cheese makes a huge difference since pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy. Also, adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from separating and becoming oily.

Make It Your Own

Try swapping in gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles, or add crispy bacon on top for extra indulgence. You can also toss some steamed broccoli into the mac and cheese for color and a veggie boost.

• Double the glaze if you love extra sauce for drizzling
• Make the mac and cheese ahead and reheat gently with a splash of milk
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave for next-day lunch

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Hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation like it has in mine. Theres something pretty wonderful about a meal that makes everyone slow down and savor every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe as they cook evenly and absorb the honey pepper glaze well. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer more tender, juicier meat with a slightly different texture.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the honey pepper glaze. Start with less for milder heat and add more to taste. You can also use a milder hot sauce or omit it entirely for a sweeter version.

→ Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

The mac and cheese can be made ahead and refrigerated, but it's best to reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. The chicken is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What cheese combinations work well for the mac and cheese?

The recipe uses a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a balance of flavor and meltiness. You can substitute gouda for a richer, nuttier flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. A three-cheese blend with Parmesan adds extra depth.

→ How should I serve this dish?

Slice the chicken and serve it over or alongside the creamy mac and cheese. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add some freshness and balance the rich flavors of the main dish.