Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese (Page 3 ) | August 23, 2024

Annonce:

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C): Start by preheating your oven. This ensures it’s hot and ready by the time your chicken is prepared.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce

Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir until everything is well blended. This sauce is where all the magic happens, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes perfectly.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Coat the chicken: Place the 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey pepper sauce over them. Make sure each piece is well coated—this helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors as it bakes.
Bake until caramelized: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has turned into a sticky, caramelized glaze. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with a beautiful golden color.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Boil the pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This is your classic mac and cheese base—comforting and oh-so-satisfying.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Start with a roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook this for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s slightly golden and bubbly. This step helps thicken your sauce without any lumps.
Add the milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a simmer. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, coating the back of a spoon.
Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your mac and cheese gets its irresistible creaminess.

Step 6: Combine and Serve