Honey Pepper Chicken
This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe features a perfect blend of sweet honey and spicy black pepper, served alongside creamy mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons black pepper Freshly ground for better flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded for best texture.
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted is preferred.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix honey, black pepper, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl to prepare the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or dish, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Cooking the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a pot over medium heat, melt butter, stir in milk, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the marinated chicken for about 2-3 minutes each side until golden.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, pour the remaining marinade on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Final Steps
- While the chicken bakes, mix breadcrumbs and paprika in a small bowl and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and bake the mac and cheese for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden.
- Serve the honey pepper chicken with creamy mac and cheese on the side.
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Notes
For the best flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Use freshly shredded cheese for creaminess and consider adding vegetables to the marinade for extra color and nutrition.