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- 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste The main stars of this dish are the chicken and the sweet heat from honey and sriracha. The chicken breasts give you a juicy bite, while the honey adds a sticky sweetness. Sriracha brings in the heat, making each piece flavorful. Garlic powder and onion powder round out the flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. - 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Chopped green onions for garnish Now, let's talk about the mac and cheese. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice here. It holds the cheese sauce well. The cheese sauce starts with butter and flour to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce. Then, you add milk and stir until creamy. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that rich flavor. Top the dish with breadcrumbs for crunch. Finally, olive oil and green onions bring freshness and color to your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to make a tasty marinade. In a bowl, mix together honey, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken both sweet and spicy flavors. Add the diced chicken and make sure each piece is coated well. It's best to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in, making the chicken juicy and full of taste. Next, let's cook the macaroni. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. Follow the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. This step is key for a great texture in your mac and cheese. Now, we create the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This might take a few minutes. After that, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is fully cooked. You want it to get nice caramelization for added flavor. When it’s done, it should be golden and tender. Now, let’s bring it all together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well so that the pasta is fully coated. Next, gently fold in the spicy honey chicken. Make sure the chicken is evenly mixed with the mac and cheese, so every bite is delicious. It's baking time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese with chicken into a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish. This adds a nice crunch. Bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the breadcrumbs look crispy and inviting. To make this dish just right, you can tweak the sweetness and heat. If you want more heat, add more sriracha. For a sweeter taste, drizzle in extra honey. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance for your liking. For cooking, I recommend using medium-high heat for the chicken. This way, it cooks fast and gets a nice caramel color. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This brings out the best flavors. Garnishing with chopped green onions makes a big difference. The green adds color and a fresh taste. You can serve this dish in a family-style bowl or individual plates. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For this recipe, you need some basic tools. Here are my top picks: - Cutting board: Great for prepping chicken and veggies. - Sharp knife: Helps in cutting chicken and chopping onions. - Large pot: Perfect for boiling macaroni. - Skillet: Use a non-stick skillet for cooking chicken. - Whisk: Great for making the cheese sauce smooth. - Baking dish: Needed for the final bake. Using the right tools makes cooking easier and keeps your kitchen organized. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or even overnight, to enhance the flavors and tenderness. Choose the Right Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, consider using cavatappi or shells for added texture and better cheese sauce retention. Make It Extra Cheesy: Experiment with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a creamier and spicier profile. Breadcrumb Variations: Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an even crunchier topping, or mix in some grated parmesan for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using turkey instead of chicken. It cooks well and keeps the flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, tofu works great too. Press the tofu to remove water, then marinate it just like the chicken. Cook it until it's golden and crispy for a tasty bite. Want to customize your mac and cheese? Add some veggies! Broccoli and spinach are both great choices. They mix in well and add color and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor and creaminess. If you love heat, adjust the sriracha to your taste. You can add more or less based on how spicy you want it. Want to change it up? Try other hot sauces like chipotle or habanero for new flavors. If you prefer something milder, add less sriracha and consider a bit of honey to balance it out. To keep your mac and cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to let it cool first. For the chicken, use a separate container if you have leftovers. This way, the chicken stays nice and juicy. When reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish and cover with foil. This helps keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes. If using the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to keep it even. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a bag. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This keeps the flavors and textures great. Yes, you can prepare Spicy Honey Chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the honey and sriracha mix. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This will let the flavors soak in. When ready to cook, just heat the skillet and cook the chicken as directed. Tips for meal prep and storage: - Use an airtight container for marinating. - Keep the marinated chicken in the fridge. - Cooked chicken can last up to four days in the fridge. You can make mac and cheese creamier by using whole milk. Also, include more cheese for a richer taste. Stir in cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. Suggestions for improving texture and flavor: - Add a splash of heavy cream when making the cheese sauce. - Mix in cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness. - Don’t forget to stir constantly while heating for a smooth sauce. You can pair Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese with simple side dishes. Fresh salads or steamed veggies work great. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty addition. Side dish recommendations: - A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette. - Steamed broccoli or green beans. - Roasted vegetables for a hearty side. Complements to enhance the meal: - Serve with a tangy dipping sauce. - Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat. - Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. This blog explored the tasty blend of Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to cheddar cheese, and shared easy steps for cooking. You learned tips to enhance flavors and presentation, plus how to store and reheat your dish. In cooking, a little creativity can go a long way. Experiment with different spices or cheese. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with friends and family!

Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy mac and cheese with a spicy honey chicken twist.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix honey, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mix well to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix well and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and caramelized.
  • Gently fold the spicy honey chicken into the mac and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese with chicken into a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
  • Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if possible.
Keyword chicken, honey, mac and cheese, spicy