Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinners, featuring tender chicken infused with sweet honey and zesty black pepper. Paired with creamy mac and cheese, it’s a comforting meal that will have your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well.
- Season the chicken with salt and let it marinate in the honey-pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the marinated chicken pieces.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. You can transfer it to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes for a crispy top, if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavors. Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat, and consider mixing different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.