Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – 2 lbs
- Honey – 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper – 1 tablespoon, freshly cracked
- Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Macaroni pasta – 1 lb
- Cheddar cheese – 4 cups, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better).
- Step 2: Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and caramelized (about 8-10 minutes).
- Step 3: Cook the macaroni. While the chicken marinates, cook the macaroni pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Step 4: Make the cheese sauce. In the same pot used to cook the pasta, add the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and smooth, creating a creamy mac & cheese.
- Step 5: Serve. Serve the Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken over a generous portion of Creamy Mac & Cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to prevent the mac from becoming soggy.
- For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce, and microwave the mac & cheese with a little milk, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- Garnish your plated dish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for added color and a pop of flavor.
- For a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a dash of sesame oil to the chicken marinade along with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American