Snow had been falling since early morning, blanketing our little street in soft white. The grandkids had come over the night before for a “snowed-in weekend,” armed with board games, fuzzy socks, and their usual burst of energy. I knew we needed something hearty and comforting to warm us up after an afternoon of building lopsided snowmen and chasing the dog around in boots two sizes too big.
That’s when I pulled out my old recipe binder and found the stained, well-used card for spicy honey pepper chicken. I paired it with creamy mac and cheese, the way my mother used to when I came home chilled from sledding.
The chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet heat that clings to every bite, balanced by the rich, buttery macaroni that never fails to bring everyone to the table. I tweaked the spice a little to suit the kids’ palates, but kept enough heat to give it a proper kick.
The kitchen smelled like a diner in the South—sweet, smoky, peppery while outside, the snow just kept piling up. We ended up eating at the coffee table, still wrapped in blankets, watching old cartoons with mouths full and happy hearts. Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the fanciest, they’re the ones made with love when everyone’s tucked in at home.
Short Description
Spicy honey-pepper glazed chicken served alongside rich, creamy macaroni and cheese—a satisfying, flavor-packed meal perfect for any night.
Key Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pure honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
Tools Needed
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Pot for pasta
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Season Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make Honey Pepper Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds, then stir in honey until smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Bake Chicken
Arrange chicken in a baking dish. Pour half the glaze over breasts. Bake 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reads 165°F.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
While chicken bakes, boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8–9 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
Step 5: Make Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Drizzle remaining glaze over baked chicken. Plate alongside mac and cheese. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Balanced: Sweet honey meets spicy black pepper for an unforgettable flavor.
Hearty Comfort: Combines protein and creamy carbs for a satisfying meal.
Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for little ones, tweak pepper levels as desired.
Weekend or Weeknight: Easy prep and quick bake make it ideal for any schedule.
Crowd-Winner: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual entertaining.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dry chicken: Use a thermometer to ensure a juicy finish at 165°F.
Glaze burning: Remove from heat as soon as honey melts—burns fast!
Lumpy cheese sauce: Whisk constantly when adding milk for a smooth texture.
Soggy mac: Drain pasta well before mixing into cheese sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad to balance richness.
Add roasted vegetables, broccoli or carrots work nicely.
Pour extra glaze over chicken right before serving.
Ideal for plated family dinner or buffet-style gathering.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: In airtight containers, fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat Chicken: Oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave at medium power.
Reheat Mac: Stir over low heat on stovetop or microwave with splash of milk to rehydrate.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, adjust baking time to reach 165°F inside.
2. Can I swap pasta?
Penne or shells work well, but adjust cooking for size.
3. Make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce butter to 1 tbsp in the cheese sauce.
4. How spicy is it?
Moderate, omit extra pepper for a kid-friendly version.
5. Can I bake chicken and mac together?
Yes, assemble mac cheese in a baking dish and bake alongside chicken for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Tips & Tricks
Whisk cheese sauce constantly to avoid scorching.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Customize glaze, add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or lemon zest.
Use freshly grated cheddar, it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Recipe Variations
Extra-Spicy Glaze: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze.
Herbed Mac & Cheese: Stir 1 tsp dried mustard and 2 tbsp chopped chives into cheese sauce.
Cheesy Chicken Bake: After baking, top chicken with extra cheddar and broil 2 minutes until bubbling.
Final Thoughts
We cleared our plates and someone yelled for hot cocoa. I left the dishes for later and sat back, watching the kids argue over marshmallows. The warmth of that spicy honey chicken still lingered in the air, mingling with the sound of laughter. That kind of day, that kind of meal, it’s what makes a home feel full.
Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken With Mac And Cheese
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pure honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven & Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make Glaze
Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, stir in honey, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Bake Chicken
Place chicken in a baking dish, pour half the glaze over it, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until it reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water for 8–9 minutes until al dente. Drain.
Step 5: Make Cheese Sauce
Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1 minute, slowly add milk until thick. Stir in cheese and season with salt.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Drizzle remaining glaze on chicken. Serve with mac and cheese.
