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Are you ready to elevate your comfort food game? Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is a delectable dish that captures the essence of home cooking. This delightful combination brings together the irresistible flavors of honey, spice, and creamy goodness, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. The marriage of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors creates a satisfying experience that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese - Naomi's Recipes

Dive into a delicious flavor explosion with Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with Creamy Macaroni Cheese! This easy recipe features perfectly marinated chicken thighs glazed with a mouthwatering honey and sriracha mixture, served alongside rich and cheesy macaroni. Perfect for family dinners, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. Garnish with green onions for a fresh touch and get ready to impress!
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Ingredients
  

For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

    In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

      Cook the Macaroni:

        In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

          Make the Cheese Sauce:

            In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

              Add the Cheeses:

                Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

                  Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

                    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until all pasta is well-coated. If desired, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for a crispy topping.

                      Cook the Chicken:

                        In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Place in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized coating.

                          Serve:

                            Once the chicken is done, remove from heat and slice if desired. Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy macaroni cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra flavor.

                              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4