Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite, blending tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a sweet and spicy kick. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add honey and additional black pepper to taste. Stir to combine and warm through.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese and chicken mixture, stirring gently until everything is well coated and heated evenly.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your honey pepper chicken mac and cheese!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
• Swap chicken breast for thigh meat for a juicier texture.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta if desired to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the cheese sauce at the end to warm through without overcooking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Use a dairy-free butter or oil in place of butter.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dish enhanced with tender chicken breast pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This comforting meal combines the richness of three cheeses with the subtle heat of black pepper and a touch of honey sweetness, perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Cheese & Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter

Flavorings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey and remaining 1 tsp black pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and heat until it begins to simmer gently. Gradually add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the cheese sauce. Then add the drained macaroni, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheesy honey pepper sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper, then serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
• Adjust honey quantity to taste for preferred sweetness level.
• For a sharper taste, substitute sharp cheddar with extra mature cheddar.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for juicier meat.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner