Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Heaven
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken with creamy, decadent mac and cheese. The juicy chicken is coated in a sticky honey-pepper glaze, while the mac and cheese is a velvety, cheesy masterpiece. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a family favorite.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ½ cup 1 stick
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk whole milk or 2% for best results
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Make sure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the sesame oil for added richness and shine. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux.
- Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately with the honey pepper chicken.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded. Don't overcook the macaroni, as it will become mushy in the cheese sauce. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. The mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. Store leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.