For the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well blended. This will be your marinade and glaze.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey-pepper mixture over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to enhance the flavor. Don’t worry if you’re short on time; it’ll still be delicious!
4. Bake the Chicken: Bake the marinated chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken halfway through with the pan juices will help keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Glaze the Chicken: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, turn the broiler on. This step is optional but gives the chicken a beautiful caramelized finish. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
6. Let it Rest: Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:

1. Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden (this is your roux). Don’t rush this step—it’s crucial for a smooth sauce!
3. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Cheese, Please: Lower the heat and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If you want to add more cheese (because who wouldn’t?), feel free to sprinkle in some mozzarella or Gruyère for extra flavor!
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. It’s already looking delicious!