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Love gooey, sweet-spicy chicken and melty macaroni loaded with cheese? This mashup is pure comfort. Every bite brings bold cheesy flavor and that sticky heat that hits the spot, especially on a chilly day. It’s the kind of meal you dig into and forget about everything else for a bit.
My first time making this for friends, there were zero leftovers. We were swapping tips and cleaning the pan before dinner was even over. It’s now my go-to for hangouts and cheering someone up fast.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: go for the boneless, skinless kind—they soak up every drop of that sweet glaze
- Salt and pepper: lay on a sprinkle at the end for the best flavor—crack it fresh for max aroma
- Olive oil: gives the chicken that golden crunch—extra virgin adds a nice kick
- Honey: sticky, sweet goodness—grab local honey for a big flavor boost
- Soy sauce: brings that savory pop—try low sodium if you want to dial down the salt
- Apple cider vinegar: zesty twist—unfiltered, raw stuff tastes bright and a little fruity
- Ground black pepper: punchy heat, pairs perfectly with honey’s sweetness
- Garlic powder: that homey, savory smell—don’t skip it
- Onion powder: mild and sweet—look for one with no extra chemicals
- Ground cayenne pepper: toss in as much or as little as you like for fire
- Macaroni pasta: elbows all the way, especially bronze-cut—they hug every bit of sauce
- Butter: classic base for creamy sauce—unsalted means you’re in control
- All purpose flour: thickens up the sauce—make sure it’s fresh
- Milk: pick whole for a crazy-smooth cheesy sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese: buy a block and shred it—it melts better and brings a bold kick
- Mozzarella cheese: want serious cheese pull? Fresh mozzarella is the way to go
- Parsley: finishes it off with freshness and a pop of color—grab a handful from the produce aisle
Mouthwatering How-To
- Sear Your Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry, season each side, heat oil in your skillet on medium, then get those pieces sizzling until browned and crisp at the edges—roughly six minutes per side. Let them cool off on the chopping board while you move on.
- Sauce That’s Sweet-And-Spicy:
- Pour off excess oil, stir together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and that fiery cayenne right in the pan. Scrape up all the yummy browned bits, let everything simmer till it thickens and goes glossy.
- Slice and Glaze:
- Cut the chicken into chunky strips, throw them straight back in to get drenched and sticky in the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated and tasty.
- Boil Your Mac:
- Get a big pot bubbling, dump in a heap of salt, toss in your macaroni, and boil it just barely al dente—usually about 8 minutes. Drain and leave it sitting.
- Cheese Sauce Magic:
- Melt butter on medium-low, whisk in flour till smooth and pale (that’s your base!). Drizzle in the milk slow, keep whisking so it doesn’t get lumpy. Bubble till thick, then pull off the heat and toss in both cheeses. Stir till perfectly melted. Add more salt and pepper if it needs it.
- Pasta Meets Cheese:
- Scoop your noodles into that melty cheese sauce, stir it all so every bit gets coated with gooey goodness.
- Dish It Up:
- Spoon out cheesy macaroni onto plates, top with glossy chicken, drizzle extra sauce, and shower with fresh chopped parsley on top.
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Leftover Lifehacks
Slide leftover chicken and macaroni into two separate sealed containers and they’ll chill in the fridge about three days. Before nuking the mac, splash in a little milk—makes it creamy again like new.
Switch-Ups
No mozzarella? Try fontina or Monterey Jack—both melt smooth. If gluten-free’s needed, grab gluten-free noodles and swap tamari for soy sauce. Want to amp up the flavor? Stir in smoked cheese or blue for extra bite.
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How to Dish Out
This meal’s hearty enough solo, but fresh cucumber salad or simple steamed broccoli brings crunch and color. Toasted bread on the side for dunking? Always a good call.
How It All Came Together
You get American diner sweetness and a bit of Southern fire from the sticky chicken, and that creamy mac comes straight from cozy comfort traditions. Paired up, they’re the best kind of meal for lazy weekends or big family hangs.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make it less spicy or fire it up?
If you want a little more kick, toss in extra hot sauce or up the cayenne. For something milder, just go easy with the spicy stuff.
- → Got any cheese swaps for my mac?
Mozzarella and cheddar work great, but you can go wild with smoked gouda or crumble in some blue cheese for a different taste.
- → Can I go gluten-free with this?
Definitely—just grab gluten-free pasta and soy sauce. Double-check your labels so you know it’s all clear.
- → What’s the best way to reheat without losing the gooey texture?
Pop it in the microwave or set the oven low, then stir a splash of milk in so the mac stays creamy, not dry.
- → Does chicken really taste better if I let it marinate?
Let that chicken soak all day if you can—it gets super juicy. No time? Don’t worry, just keep going and you’ll still love it.
- → What should I put on the side?
Serve it up with a cool cucumber salad for something crisp and bright with all that cheesy goodness.