Description
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese recipe features tender, oven-baked chicken breasts coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy honey glaze, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni. The dish is simple to prepare yet full of comforting flavors, making it an ideal family dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spicy Honey Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for mac and cheese topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side in the skillet for about 3 minutes until nicely browned.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the honey sauce over the seared chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine into a creamy mac and cheese.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Serve: Plate the spicy honey chicken alongside a generous portion of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness of the chicken glaze.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation in flavor.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving ensures juicy and tender results.
