Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

3 tbsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt (to taste)

Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt a little extra butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add honey and soy sauce, then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to create a glaze.

Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized on the chicken.

Step 5: While the chicken cooks, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 7: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

Step 8: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Step 9: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10: Serve the creamy mac & cheese in bowls and top with the sweet and spicy glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.

Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor in the mac & cheese.

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.

Try adding cooked bacon bits or steamed broccoli to the mac & cheese for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey pepper chicken and macaroni separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac & cheese?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well for holding the creamy cheese sauce.

Dinner

Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction