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sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken: A Comforting Delight

This sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken is a delightful dish that warms the soul, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Use fresh chicken for optimal tenderness.
  • Salt Adjust according to taste preferences.
  • Pepper Adjust according to taste preferences.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil for cooking.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Contributes to the sweet element of the sauce; maple syrup makes a great substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium soy sauce is a healthier option while still providing umami.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Adds acidity to balance the sweetness; use lemon juice as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground provides better flavor; adjust to your heat tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can enhance the flavor even more.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Optional, but adds depth of flavor if you have it.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste; omit for a milder dish.
For the Macaroni Cheese
  • 8 ounces Macaroni Pasta Sub gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Helps create a creamy cheese sauce; margarine can be used if dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 2 cups Milk Non-dairy options like almond or oat milk work well here for creaminess.
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Delivers a rich flavor; try gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Adds stretchiness to the sauce; can substitute with a similar meltable cheese.
  • Chopped Parsley Garnish for freshness and visual appeal; other herbs like chives can substitute.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts carefully, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, lower the heat and whisk together 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add in 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a glossy sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully.
  3. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Toss the chicken thoroughly in the sweet and spicy honey sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cook together on low heat for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce's delicious sweetness.
  4. While the chicken is absorbing the flavors, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which is usually about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, ensuring no water remains, and set it aside briefly while you prepare the cheese sauce.
  5. In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until a light roux forms. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If desired, season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of your creamy macaroni cheese.
  7. Finally, combine the drained macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every noodle is coated with that luscious creamy goodness. To serve, plate the macaroni cheese topped with the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your comforting homemade feast!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For even more flavor, let your chicken marinate in the honey sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust sweetness or heat levels according to your taste; feel free to add more cayenne for extra kick or reduce honey if desired.

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