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Delicious spicy honey pepper chicken served on a plate with garnishes

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

This spicy honey pepper chicken served with creamy macaroni and cheese pairs bold glaze flavors with a silky cheese sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness and better caramelization.
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes For less heat, reduce to 1 teaspoon.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Macaroni and Cheese
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly.
  • 1 cup milk Use whole milk for a creamier sauce.
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Brush or toss chicken thighs in the glaze until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the glazed thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, stir in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; add garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and stir in cheddar until melted.
  7. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a saucepan or mixing bowl and toss until coated and heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

Serve the glazed chicken thighs directly on a bed of creamy mac and cheese for the best flavor pairing. Add a crisp green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

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