If you’ve ever craved a dinner that’s all about bold flavors, ooey-gooey cheese, and just the right touch of sweetness, pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese will absolutely sweep you off your feet. This dish layers juicy honey-pepper glazed chicken over a rich bed of classic macaroni and cheese, blending the familiar comfort of cheddar and mozzarella with a saucy, sticky chicken that has a perfect sweet-spicy kick. It’s the kind of meal that feels special, but is easy enough for a weeknight and destined to become a favorite with both grown-ups and kids alike.

pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is that its short list of ingredients comes together to create something truly extraordinary. Every component pulls its weight — from the honey that brings sweetness and sheen, to the cheeses that turn simple macaroni into creamy bliss.

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Tender and easy to cook, these are the perfect canvas for all that sweet and spicy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and building a base layer of flavor in both your chicken and cheese sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the chicken, helping it brown beautifully and stay moist inside.
Honey (1/2 cup): The star player in your glaze, delivering sweetness and that gorgeous sticky finish.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings in savory depth and balances the sweet honey.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a pop of tang that wakes up the whole dish.
Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Lends a peppery bite — add more if you love extra heat.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A dash of savory, aromatic background flavor.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce with subtle sweetness.
Ground cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring a hint of heat without overwhelming.
Macaroni pasta (8 ounces): Classic elbows boil up perfectly for soaking up all that cheese sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for your cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken your sauce for that perfect, velvety texture.
Milk (2 cups): Whole milk adds creaminess, but 2% works too if you prefer a lighter touch.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Gives your macaroni its classic, tangy cheesiness.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for ultra-creamy, stretchy goodness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Parsley, chopped: Bright, fresh, and a great way to finish off the dish with color and flavor.

How to Make pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; once it shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step — letting the chicken develop a deep golden crust means more flavor. Once cooked, set it aside to rest on a plate so the juices stay put.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet and Peppery Sauce

With the chicken set aside, use the same skillet for extra flavor. Combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne right in the pan. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally — you want it slightly thickened and glossy, building that delicious sticky pepper glaze that takes pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese to a whole new level.

Step 3: Toss Chicken in the Glaze

Slice the rested chicken into thick strips, then return them to the skillet. Toss the pieces in the sweet and spicy sauce until each is glistening and fully coated. Let everything bubble together for another minute so the chicken soaks up every last drop of flavor. This is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While your chicken is soaking in flavor, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook until just al dente — this will usually take about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, but don’t rinse, so the cheese sauce clings to every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Whip Up That Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly to make a smooth roux; this just takes a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens — about 3 to 5 minutes. Off the heat, mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until the cheese has melted and your sauce is irresistibly creamy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Stir the cooked macaroni right into your cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is perfectly coated. This is your classic macaroni and cheese base, rich, luscious, and ready for the grand finish.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon a generous bed of creamy macaroni cheese onto each plate, then top with strips of honey pepper chicken. Finish things off with a shower of fresh parsley — not only does this add color, it brightens up every bite.

How to Serve pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright pop of green that cuts through the richness. A little extra black pepper or a fine dusting of paprika can amp up the color and flavor. Even a light drizzle of honey can give the chicken an extra glossy look that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette beautifully balances the meal’s creamy, sweet heartiness. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and freshness. If you want to keep it comfort-food-central, some warm, crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up leftover cheese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a fun, restaurant-style presentation. For parties, layer the creamy pasta in pretty ramekins and top with a single glazed chicken strip as a stunning appetizer. Or, for a family-style approach, present everything in a big, colorful casserole dish for everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any extra pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to store the chicken and macaroni cheese separately if possible, so both keep their best texture when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the macaroni cheese and the chicken (sauce and all) separately in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimal results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat macaroni cheese gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess. Warm the chicken in a covered skillet or the microwave until hot. Combine just before serving for a dinner that tastes freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. They’ll be extra juicy and soak up that sweet peppery glaze wonderfully.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Of course. You can simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The dish will still be flavorful, with the honey and black pepper carrying the main flavors.

What type of cheese works best for the macaroni?

Sharp cheddar is classic and adds terrific flavor. Feel free to play around with cheese blends; gruyère or Monterey Jack both melt beautifully if you like a different spin.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time for a party?

Yes. You can make the sauce and the macaroni separately, as well as cook the chicken and glaze. Assemble everything just before guests arrive, then garnish right before serving so everything looks and tastes perfect.

How do I keep the macaroni cheese creamy when reheating?

The trick is adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating gently, which will bring the cheese sauce back to its original creaminess without getting oily or clumpy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a sweet and spicy twist, I can’t recommend pper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese enough. It’s a dinner guaranteed to draw happy smiles at the table and requests for seconds. For anyone who loves flavor-packed dishes and a touch of kitchen creativity, this recipe is one to try, share, and savor often!