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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste For the Spicy Honey Chicken, I love using fresh chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. The sauce combines honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This mix gives a sweet and spicy kick to the chicken. Seasonings like garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper elevate the flavors. - 1 cup macaroni pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese The macaroni is simple yet tasty. I prefer elbow macaroni for its shape. Cooking it al dente keeps it firm. The cheese sauce uses heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan. It creates a creamy and rich texture that pairs well with the chicken. - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish) I love to finish the dish with chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch and bright color. This little touch makes the meal pop visually and tastefully. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Make sure to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and wait for it to warm. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and cook fully. If your chicken is thick, adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s done. For the sauce, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until everything is well combined. This creates a sweet and spicy sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey sriracha mixture over it in the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken. Turn the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. This step makes your chicken extra tasty. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and follow the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency. This creamy cheese sauce will make your macaroni delicious. Now, mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Stir until the pasta is well-coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This simple step elevates the flavor of the dish. Adjusting spice levels with sriracha is key to your taste. If you like it hot, add more sriracha. For a milder flavor, use less. Always taste the sauce before pouring it on the chicken. Marinating chicken for at least 15 minutes is vital. This short time helps the spices soak in. If you have more time, let it marinate longer for a richer taste. Even a few hours can boost the flavor. To get the right cheese sauce consistency, heat the cream slowly. Stir as you add the cheeses. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of milk. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Adding seasonings can enhance flavor. Try a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika. These can elevate your cheese sauce to a new level. Always taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Serving suggestions can make your dish pop. Slice the spicy honey chicken into strips for easy eating. Pair it with a generous scoop of macaroni. Garnishing with chopped green onions adds color and freshness. A sprinkle on top gives a nice crunch too. Presenting your meal well makes it even more inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance its flavor profile. For even better results, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Adjust Spice Levels: The amount of sriracha can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will help prevent overcooking and keep the chicken juicy. Cheese Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can use different cuts of chicken for this dish. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. If you prefer turkey, it works well too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. For a vegetarian option, tofu is fantastic. Press it to remove extra water, then marinate it like chicken. This adds great flavor to your meal. Spice up your dish with different spices. Try adding paprika, cayenne, or even some cumin. You can also switch up the sauces. Experiment with teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a unique twist. Adding vegetables to the macaroni can boost nutrition. Peas, spinach, or broccoli can create a colorful and healthy mix. Change things up with different cheese types. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add new flavors. For a sharper taste, try using aged cheddar instead. You can mix cheeses for extra creaminess. This keeps the cheese sauce exciting and rich. Store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. Make sure the chicken and macaroni are cooled before putting them away. This helps prevent sogginess. To reheat, use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. If using an oven, cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. This helps maintain the chicken's texture and the creaminess of the macaroni. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Place the chicken and macaroni in freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date to track freshness. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the microwave or oven, as described above. Enjoy that delicious flavor blast again! Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicy and flavorful. They can handle more heat without drying out. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness. Cook them until the inside reaches 165°F. This way, you get tender meat that pairs well with the sauce. The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe uses 2 tablespoons, giving it a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, start with 1 tablespoon. You can also add more honey to balance the spice. For more heat, try adding red pepper flakes or extra sriracha. Yes, you can make the macaroni ahead of time. Cook the pasta and cheese sauce, then mix them. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This makes meal prep easy and quick! This blog post covered how to make Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese. You learned about the ingredients for both dishes and how to prepare them step by step. I shared tips for perfecting the chicken and macaroni. You can also customize flavors and store leftovers properly. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy trying this dish and make it your own! Your kitchen can be a great place for creativity and taste.

Spicy Honey Chicken Delight

A deliciously spicy and sweet chicken dish served with creamy macaroni and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Pour the honey sriracha mixture over the chicken in the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken for another 2-3 minutes. Turn the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  • While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • In the pot with the macaroni, mix in the cheese sauce until the pasta is well-coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Slice the glazed spicy honey chicken into strips and serve on a plate alongside a generous portion of macaroni and cheese.
  • Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken and macaroni for a fresh touch.

Notes

Adjust sriracha for desired spice level.
Keyword cheese, chicken, honey, macaroni, spicy