Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
A flavorful Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. This dish combines tender baked chicken marinated in a honey and spicy pepper sauce with classic sharp cheddar macaroni for a comforting and balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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, preferably whole milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with caramelized edges.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until coated evenly. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese on the side alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or penne.
- Use sharp cheddar for a rich cheese sauce or mix with mild cheddar for a milder taste.
- Leftover chicken and macaroni can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
Keywords: Honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken thighs, baked chicken recipe, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy honey chicken
