Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
Bold, sticky chicken paired with ultra-creamy comfort pasta
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and indulgence. Juicy chicken is coated in a glossy honey-pepper glaze with just the right kick, then served alongside rich, velvety macaroni cheese that cools and comforts every spicy bite. It’s a restaurant-style meal that feels special but is easy enough for weeknights.
Time & Yield
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken
1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, bite-size pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Honey Pepper Sauce
⅓ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp crushed black pepper (adjust to taste)
½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Creamy Macaroni Cheese
3 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups warm milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp paprika or mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Macaroni
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente
Drain and set aside
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute
Gradually add warm milk, whisking until smooth
Cook until thickened
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika
Fold in cooked macaroni
Cover and keep warm
3️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat
Fry chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes)
Remove excess oil if needed
4️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds
Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and chili flakes
Simmer 2 minutes
Add cornstarch slurry and stir until glossy and thick
5️⃣ Combine
Add chicken back to the pan
Toss until fully coated in sticky sauce
Cook 1–2 minutes more
Assemble & Serve
Spoon creamy macaroni cheese onto plates
Top with sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired
Tips for Best Results
Chicken thighs stay juicier, breasts stay lean
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
Adjust pepper and chili to your heat tolerance
Warm milk prevents lumpy cheese sauce
Add a splash of pasta water if mac gets too thick
Variations
Extra Spicy
Add hot sauce or extra chili flakes to the honey sauce
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken
Replace vinegar with lemon juice and extra zest
Baked Mac Option
Transfer mac and cheese to a dish, top with breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes
Lighter Version
Use grilled chicken
Swap whole milk for low-fat milk
Reduce cheese slightly
Air Fryer Chicken
Air fry chicken at 380°F (195°C) for 12–14 minutes, then toss in sauce
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat gently with a splash of milk for mac and cheese
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese delivers bold flavor and ultimate comfort in one plate. Sticky, peppery chicken paired with silky cheese pasta makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual entertaining.