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Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese


  • Author: Dianna
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Oil, for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper (add more if you like it extra spicy)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot (around 350°F), fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about 5-6 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using).
  2. Simmer over low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as honey can burn easily.
  3. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

  1. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey pepper sauce until each piece is well-coated.
  2. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy serving.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and heat until warm, but don’t let it boil.
  2. Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and smooth. Add mozzarella cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the cheese sauce to your desired creaminess. (If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cheese or let it simmer for a few more minutes.)
  4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well-coated.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Plate the creamy macaroni on one side of each dish.
  2. Top the other side with the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 650
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 30g