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sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken for Comfort Food Lovers

This sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken is a delight, combining flavors of honey and pepper. Perfect for comfort food lovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Replace with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • to taste salt Essential seasoning to bring out the best flavors.
  • to taste pepper Essential seasoning to bring out the best flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Ideal for cooking chicken.
  • 1/3 cup honey Adds sweetness and complexity to the glaze.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Provides umami and saltiness.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Brings a hint of heat.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds savory notes to the sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper Boosts the heat.
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese
  • 8 ounces macaroni pasta Gluten-free pasta works beautifully too.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Used for creating a rich cheese sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 1 cup milk Adds creaminess to the sauce.
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Delivers classic cheesy flavor.
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds luscious creaminess.
For Garnish
  • to taste parsley Freshens up the dish.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • colander

Method
 

Chicken Preparation
  1. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the sauce.
  2. Toss the chicken in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.
Macaroni Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour for about 1 minute.
  2. Gradually pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Let simmer until thickened.
  3. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
  1. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
Serving
  1. Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top it with sliced honey pepper chicken.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Allow time for flavors to meld. Prepare in advance to save time.

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