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Honey Pepper Chicken with creamy mac and cheese dish

Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

A delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining sweet and savory honey pepper chicken with creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 800
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Chicken should be patted dry before seasoning.
  • 1/4 cup honey Use high-quality honey for richer taste.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, divided 1 teaspoon for chicken, remainder for glaze.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Add garlic to the skillet after cooking the chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 tablespoon for cooking chicken, 1 tablespoon for cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook until al dente.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can be substituted with other cheeses.
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk Gradually whisk into the roux.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used to create the roux for the cheese sauce.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) For an extra kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Glazing the Chicken
  1. After cooking the chicken, add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, mix in the remaining black pepper and optional red chili flakes, and let it simmer until thickened.
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet to coat in the sauce.
Preparing Mac and Cheese
  1. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente.
  2. In another saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth cheese sauce.
  3. Add the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
  1. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, plate it, slice the rested chicken, arrange it over the mac and cheese, and drizzle with the pan sauce from the chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 800kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

Notes

Presentation enhances the meal! Try piling mac and cheese high and drizzling with chicken glaze. Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

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