Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. Tender chicken glazed in a sweet and peppery honey sauce pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s an easy, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.

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
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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 and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper, letting it simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken pieces with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Step 6: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated.
8. Step 8: Add the honey pepper chicken to the macaroni and cheese, folding gently to incorporate the chicken throughout.
9. Step 9: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting quality and flavor.
• Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze for extra heat.
• For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top and broil briefly before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with penne, shells, or rotini based on your preference. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the components separately and combine them just before reheating and serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This recipe balances savory cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan with a hint of sweetness from honey and the kick of freshly ground black pepper, making it a perfect indulgent meal for any occasion.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken & Glaze

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

Cheese Sauce

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

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside for later use.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Add Honey and Pepper: Stir in the honey and the remaining teaspoon of black pepper into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze has slightly thickened.
5. Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss well to evenly coat them with the honey pepper glaze. Once coated, remove from heat and set aside.
6. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt to taste.
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is thoroughly coated in the cheesy sauce.
8. Add Honey Pepper Chicken: Fold the honey pepper glazed chicken into the mac and cheese mixture gently, distributing the chicken pieces throughout the dish evenly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the finished Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper to control the spice level to your taste.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Sweet and Spicy Chicken