Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a kick. This dish combines the succulent tenderness of honey pepper glazed chicken with the rich, velvety smoothness of homemade mac and cheese—perfect for those craving both heat and indulgence in a single bowl. The sweet and spicy glaze draws everyone back for seconds, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for family dinners or friendly gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

This recipe is a showstopper for good reason—it balances crave-worthy flavors and pleasant textures. The sticky, bold honey pepper chicken packs a flavorful punch, harmonizing beautifully with the creamy, comforting mac and cheese. It’s a meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Each bite is a masterclass in contrast: spicy, sweet glazed chicken paired with rich, cheesy pasta.

Making Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken

Selecting boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures juicy, flavorful meat. The glaze—a blend of honey, cracked black pepper, soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar—coats each piece, creating a glistening, irresistible finish. Cooking the chicken quickly at high heat sears in moisture, while tossing with the sauce at the end keeps the flavor lively.

Creamy Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show

The homemade mac and cheese comes together in minutes. A classic cheese sauce starts with a roux (flour and butter), whisked with milk and loaded with sharp cheddar for depth and mozzarella for meltiness. Folded into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, the sauce clings to every bite, creating the ultimate creamy companion to your spicy chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Serve the glazed chicken sliced atop a heaping spoonful of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of parsley for freshness and color contrast, and add extra cracked pepper if you desire a spicier finish. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions. Each serving provides approximately 650–750 calories, depending on cheese and portion size, with a balanced macronutrient profile from protein-packed chicken and satisfying carbs from pasta—a hearty, satisfying meal sure to fill hungry bellies.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese (Recap)

Bold, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing, this dish unites sweet heat and cheesy comfort in every forkful. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, it’s a flavor-packed favorite you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce for Mac and Cheese:
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to cook until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Lower heat, add shredded cheeses and garlic powder, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the drained macaroni until well coated; set aside on low heat.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
   While pasta cooks, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate.
4. Finish the Honey Pepper Sauce:
   Lower skillet heat to medium. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, and cracked black pepper, stirring to blend. Let the mixture bubble for 1 minute, then return chicken to the pan. Toss to coat evenly until the sauce is glossy and clings to chicken (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Assemble and Serve:
   Spoon creamy mac and cheese onto four plates. Top with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with green onions or parsley and extra cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This sweet and spicy chicken with creamy mac and cheese is perfect for meal prep or rotation into your family’s weekly menu. Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan which nights you want to serve it and generate smart shopping lists based on all the dishes you’ve planned.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned recipes
– Groups shopping list items by grocery section for faster trips
– Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
– Makes weekly meal planning and prep smoother than ever

Pro tip: When planning several meals in a week, schedule your recipes and see overlapping ingredients like milk, cheese, or chicken to buy just the right amounts—saving time and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes