Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese combines tender, marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a creamy, cheesy macaroni. The marinade’s warming spices balanced with sweet honey and fresh bell peppers create a dish that’s comforting yet vibrant, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for dinner.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken 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 to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the 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 (whole milk preferred)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can enhance its depth.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Chicken Thighs, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Cheesy Pasta
