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Chicken Mac N Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Mac N Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Mac N Cheese offers a delightful comfort food experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can be substituted with chicken thighs.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Used for sautéing.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder Brings sweetness to the spice mix.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust for desired spiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Key glaze ingredient.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Adds umami flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Provides sharpness.
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Forms the base for the cheese sauce.
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni Perfect pasta shape for mac and cheese.
  • 2 cups Whole milk Essential for a creamy cheese sauce.
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Classic choice for mac and cheese.
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Adds gooeyness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground mustard Adds subtle spice.
  • 1/4 cup Flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Provides seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with spices and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  2. Remove chicken and create glaze by combining honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Coat the chicken with the glaze and cook for an additional 5 minutes until caramelized.
  4. In a pot, bring salted water to a boil, add macaroni, and cook for 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking until the mixture thickens.
  6. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Combine drained macaroni with cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated.
  8. Serve mac and cheese alongside honey pepper chicken, drizzling leftover glaze over the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 600mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Adjust honey and spice levels according to your taste preferences.

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