Description
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, baked to perfection and served alongside rich, creamy homemade mac and cheese. A comforting meal with a balance of heat, sweetness, and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spicy Honey Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used to marinate and glaze the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the honey marinade over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve the other half for basting later. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook following package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve desired consistency. Keep warm.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste Chicken: In the final 5 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the reserved honey glaze to create a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Plate the honey glazed spicy chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor in the mac and cheese.
- Be careful not to overcook the macaroni to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the spice level based on preference.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures juicy, tender meat.
