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Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

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A flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and spicy honey-pepper glaze, served alongside creamy mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, black pepper, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until simmering, then gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Mix in the cooked macaroni and season with salt.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  7. Serve hot with any remaining honey glaze drizzled over the chicken, alongside creamy mac and cheese.

Notes

For a crispy texture, consider using an air fryer for the chicken. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, mac and cheese, weeknight dinner, family-friendly, comfort food

Find it online: https://easydessertideas.com/honey-pepper-chicken-sweet-spicy-with-creamy-mac-and-cheese/