Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print)

Sweet-spicy glazed chicken meets creamy mac and cheese for a vibrant blend of flavors and cozy comfort.

# Ingredients:

→ Main

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
03 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - ½ cup pure honey
05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter
06 - Salt, to taste

→ Mac and Cheese

07 - 2 cups elbow macaroni
08 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 2 cups whole milk
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 60 grams of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey and blend to a smooth glaze.
03 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the honey pepper glaze over the chicken. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
04 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
05 - In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until thickened. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted into a smooth sauce.
06 - Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve the baked chicken drizzled with the remaining honey pepper glaze, accompanied by creamy mac and cheese.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juiciness when sliced.