Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese 🍯🌶️🍗🍽️
📝Ingredients:
**For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
**For the Creamy Macaroni & Cheese:
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
**Directions:
1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened. Return chicken to the pan and coat in the sauce.
3. Cook the Macaroni: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked pasta.
5. Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy macaroni and top with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
**Servings: 4
**Calories: 700-800 per serving (varies based on portion size)