Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 2 lbs
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper (freshly ground): 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon (or more to taste)
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Macaroni pasta: 1 lb
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): 2 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Add the chicken to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Cook the macaroni. While the chicken is cooking, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
- Step 4: Make the mac & cheese. In the same pot you cooked the pasta, add the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Step 5: Combine and serve. Serve the Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken over a generous portion of the creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes (optional).
Notes
- Store leftover chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet to maintain its crispness, and the mac & cheese in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans to add a fresh, vibrant element to the meal.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference, as a touch more can really amplify the sweet and spicy flavor profile of the chicken!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American