Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For the spicy honey chicken, I start with four boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These thighs are juicy and tender, which makes them perfect for this recipe. Next, I use half a cup of honey. The sweetness of honey balances the heat from the sriracha. Speaking of sriracha, I add two tablespoons for a nice kick. Garlic powder and paprika bring out deep flavors, so I use one teaspoon of each. Finally, I sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall taste. - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 2 tablespoons butter - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) For the creamy mac and cheese, I start with one cup of uncooked elbow macaroni. This pasta holds the cheese sauce well. I use two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor. Half a cup of milk adds creaminess, while two tablespoons of butter make it even richer. I season with a quarter teaspoon of black pepper and cayenne pepper for a bit more heat, if you like. Lastly, I garnish with fresh parsley to add color and freshness to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Combine honey, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Whisk until well blended. This mix gives the chicken its sweet and spicy kick. - Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinade over it. - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all the flavors. - Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. - Prepare the cheese sauce and mix with the pasta. The sauce should be creamy and rich. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Let the chicken rest before slicing. - Plate with mac and cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch and color. - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in well. You can let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more taste. - If you need a honey substitute, use agave syrup. For sriracha, try another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce. - To get creamy mac and cheese, use sharp cheddar cheese. This gives a rich flavor. Stir the cheese in slowly to avoid lumps. - For a twist, try mozzarella or gouda. These cheeses melt well and add a unique taste. - Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps it juicy and tender. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will become. Aim for at least 2 hours for the best results. Perfectly Creamy Mac and Cheese: To achieve the creamiest mac and cheese, use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper. Taste the marinade before using it to gauge the spice level. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken. {{image_2}} If you love spice, you can make this dish even hotter! Here are a few ways to do that: - Incorporating extra spices: Try adding crushed red pepper or chili powder to the marinade. This gives a kick! Start with a small amount, then add more if you like. - Using different hot sauces: Instead of sriracha, try a hotter sauce like habanero or Thai chili sauce. Each sauce has its own flavor, so experiment to find your favorite. Want to lighten things up? Here are some smart swaps: - Alternatives for macaroni and cheese: Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for more fiber. You can also try cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a veggie-based option. - Lean chicken options: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. This reduces fat but still keeps the dish tasty. You can also use tofu for a plant-based twist. Mix it up with different flavors! Here’s how: - Switching up the cheese for different profiles: Instead of sharp cheddar, try gouda or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a new taste to your mac and cheese. - Adding vegetables for extra nutrition: Toss in steamed broccoli or spinach to the mac and cheese. This adds color, flavor, and nutrients to your meal. Feel free to get creative with these variations. Enjoy your cooking! To store leftovers, let the food cool first. Place the chicken and mac and cheese in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Refrigerate them right away. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can reheat your dish in the oven or microwave. The oven gives a better texture, while the microwave is quicker. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the food in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until hot. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to help heat evenly. To keep the mac and cheese creamy, add a splash of milk before reheating. This helps restore its smooth texture. Yes, you can freeze this dish! It works well for both chicken and mac and cheese. To freeze, let the food cool completely. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. For best taste, use within 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best results. Yes, you can use different cuts. Chicken breast is a good choice. It cooks faster but may be drier. You can also use chicken drumsticks or wings. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. The best way to check is using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices. The meat should not be pink inside. A fresh salad pairs nicely. Roasted veggies or steamed broccoli add color and crunch. You could also serve cornbread for a comforting twist. These sides balance the dish’s richness. Absolutely! Cook the chicken and mac and cheese in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They last for about three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. This dish combines Spicy Honey Chicken with creamy mac and cheese for a fantastic meal. We explored the main ingredients and outlined how to prepare each component step-by-step. I also shared tips for marination, achieving the perfect texture, and making healthy swaps. Embrace your creativity and adjust the flavors to meet your taste. Whether you keep it classic or try something new, enjoy delicious meals with these easy recipes!$

Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

A delicious combination of spicy honey-glazed chicken thighs served with creamy mac and cheese.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
0.5 cup honey
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine honey, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create the marinade.
Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
While the chicken is marinating, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk, and then slowly add the cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Mix in the cooked macaroni, and season with black pepper and cayenne (if using). Remove from heat.
Place the marinated chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
To serve, spoon a portion of the creamy mac and cheese onto each plate, top with sliced spicy honey chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, honey, mac and cheese, spicy