Description
Honey pepper chicken brings fiery passion to your dinner table with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Crispy chicken glazed in a zesty sauce promises a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a flavor foundation by generously seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until a golden crust develops, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from pan.
- Transform the skillet into a sauce haven by combining honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a glossy, concentrated glaze that coats the back of a spoon, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Slice the perfectly cooked chicken into elegant strips, then gently reintroduce them to the vibrant sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the sweet and spicy essence.
- Prepare macaroni in salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Construct a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, creating a roux. Gradually introduce milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously enrobed with the rich, creamy mixture.
- Plate the macaroni as a luscious base, crown with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity for personal spice preferences.
- Use skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking times.
- Prevent cheese sauce from becoming grainy by removing from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or wheat-sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 1015 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg