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Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 38 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and spicy honey and black pepper mixture, seared to a golden brown, then baked to perfection. Served alongside creamy elbow macaroni cooked in rich heavy cream, this dish is a satisfying blend of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts with honey and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Preheat the Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them until they develop a golden brown crust on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Prepare the Macaroni: While the chicken bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Make the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: In a separate saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Add the cooked macaroni to the cream and stir to combine, creating a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese base. Season to taste if desired.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer if possible for more intense flavor infusion.
  • Make sure to sear the chicken well to develop a flavorful crust before baking.
  • Use fresh cracked black pepper for the best spicy aroma and flavor.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, though creamier results come from heavy cream.
  • Ensure macaroni is drained thoroughly before mixing with cream to avoid watery sauce.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor combination.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://mamabrisrecipes.com/spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-creamy-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/