Ultimate Guide to Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Macaroni Cheese

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INGREDIENTS
SCALE

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Macaroni Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Prepare the Macaroni Cheese:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Serve: Divide the creamy macaroni cheese among plates.
  2. Top with Chicken: Place the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken tenders on top of the macaroni cheese.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

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