Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a flavorful honey, paprika, and cayenne pepper glaze. Served alongside creamy, sharp cheddar macaroni and cheese, this comforting dish balances a spicy kick with a touch of sweetness and rich cheesy goodness, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 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 or 2%)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the honey, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and chopped bell pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese alongside the baked honey pepper chicken for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella along with cheddar for a creamier texture.
- Leftover macaroni and cheese can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Make sure not to overcook the macaroni to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
Keywords: Honey pepper chicken, spicy chicken recipe, macaroni and cheese, baked chicken thighs, comfort food, easy dinner
