Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac recipe offers a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors, combining tender chicken with creamy macaroni in a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the honey and Sriracha. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, creating a honey pepper glaze.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked macaroni, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta and chicken.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of Sriracha or add more red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to this Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni dish.
- Ensure the honey pepper sauce is well combined before adding the macaroni and chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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