Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print Version)
Bold honey-pepper chicken served with creamy cheddar mac and cheese for a comfort food favorite.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
03 -
1/2 cup pure honey
04 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 -
Salt to taste
→ For the Mac and Cheese
07 -
2 cups elbow macaroni
08 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 -
2 cups whole milk
10 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
12 -
Salt to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 -
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey until mixture is smooth.
03 -
Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the honey garlic glaze over them. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
04 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 8–9 minutes. Drain well; set aside.
05 -
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk and cook until thickened. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Season with salt as needed.
06 -
Drizzle the remaining honey garlic glaze over the baked chicken. Serve immediately with prepared mac and cheese alongside.
# Notes:
01 -
For even more flavor, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.