Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken tenders
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Macaroni Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Season Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Prepare the Macaroni Cheese:
Cook Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Assemble the Dish:
Serve: Divide the creamy macaroni cheese among plates.
Top with Chicken: Place the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken tenders on top of the macaroni cheese.
Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy this delightful Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese for a meal that's sure to please everyone at the table!