Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese! This comforting dish features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-spicy blend, served alongside rich, cheesy pasta that hugs every bite. Perfect for special gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, it's sure to impress everyone at your table! Try this recipe and elevate your comfort food game! #HoneyPepperChicken #ComfortFood #MacaroniCheese #Foodie #DinnerIdeas #RecipeInspiration

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spiciness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese

3 cups milk

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).

Cook the Macaroni:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and combined.

- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is smooth, add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Macaroni and Cheese:

- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly mixed. For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more milk if needed. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Cook the Chicken:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and cook each thigh for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely caramelized (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Serve:

- Slice the chicken and serve on a plate with a generous scoop of creamy macaroni cheese. Drizzle some extra honey if desired and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4