Description
A delightful recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts coated in a spicy honey pepper sauce, paired with a rich and creamy homemade macaroni and cheese. This comforting meal offers a perfect balance of sweet heat and cheesy goodness, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spicy, sweet, and savory honey pepper sauce.
- Coat and Bake Chicken: Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the prepared honey pepper sauce. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make Mac and Cheese: Add butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese to the hot pasta. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture turns into a smooth, creamy sauce coating the macaroni evenly.
- Serve: Plate the baked honey pepper chicken breasts alongside a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness of the chicken.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream in place of milk in the mac and cheese.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Additions like garlic powder or paprika can elevate the flavor of the chicken seasoning.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
