If you’re searching for a dish that delivers big flavor, a creamy texture, and just the right amount of kick, look no further than Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This is comfort food at its finest, fusing tender bites of chicken glazed with sweet honey and freshly cracked pepper into a classic, ultra-cheesy macaroni base. Each forkful brings together the warmth of cheddar, the gooeyness of mozzarella, and the irresistible zing of pepper, making it a weeknight dinner or potluck showstopper that absolutely everyone will love.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that each add their own magic to the final dish. From buttery roux to creamy cheeses and a hint of honey, every item on this list plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave.

Elbow macaroni (12 oz): The classic shape for mac and cheese, these little elbows capture every bit of cheesy sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for starting the roux, which creates the creamy base of the sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce for that luxurious, cling-to-your-pasta texture.
Whole milk (2 cups): Brings richness and body to the sauce without making it too heavy.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds extra creaminess and a decadent mouthfeel you can’t resist.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Delivers bold, tangy flavor and that classic mac and cheese color.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy goodness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory depth to every bite.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and enhances the cheeses.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and lifts all the other flavors—don’t skip the seasoning!
Cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked chicken works.
Honey (2 tablespoons): The secret to the signature sweet and spicy glaze.
Freshly cracked black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds bold, aromatic heat and pairs perfectly with honey.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little extra kick if you like your mac and cheese spicy.
Chopped parsley for garnish (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. You want the noodles to have a bit of bite so they hold up well once they’re smothered in that luscious cheese sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re already halfway to dinner bliss!

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This roux is the foundation of your creamy cheese sauce. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Let it come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses

Lower the heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until they melt into silky perfection. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. At this point, your kitchen should smell unbelievably good—resist the urge to grab a spoon and taste test the whole pot!

Step 4: Toss the Chicken with Honey and Pepper

In a small bowl, combine the cooked chicken with honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. This step is where the signature “honey pepper” twist comes to life, coating every piece of chicken in sweet heat that will mingle beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Warm Through

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is fully coated. Next, gently stir in the honey pepper chicken so the flavors marry together. Warm everything through for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated and the whole dish is bubbling and irresistible.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Top your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish. If you want to take it to the next level, add a little extra cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and spice right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or even some buttery garlic bread. The freshness of the sides balances the creamy richness of your mac and cheese, making dinner feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in small ramekins for individual portions—perfect for parties or family gatherings. For a crowd-pleasing twist, spoon it into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As the flavors meld, the dish becomes even more delicious with time—just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, portion cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results; the texture may be slightly less creamy after freezing, but the flavor holds up well.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work just as well for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese and catch plenty of that cheesy sauce.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor and moisture, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works, too. Just make sure it’s cooked and chopped or shredded before tossing it with the honey and pepper.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you like extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also use a pepper jack cheese in place of some mozzarella for even more spice in your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free.

How can I make it ahead for a party?

Prepare the entire Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with breadcrumbs if desired and broil or bake until hot and bubbling. It’s a great way to entertain with less last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to transform your next dinner with something truly special, give Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese a try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and every bite is pure comfort. Grab a fork and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and peppery goodness—you’ll be dreaming about this recipe long after the last bite!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with a sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors with tender chicken glazed in honey and cracked black pepper, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce over al dente macaroni.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Chicken Topping

2 cups cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and develop a subtle nutty flavor.
Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring this to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Melt the cheeses: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste, blending the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
Prepare the honey pepper chicken: In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This will give the chicken a delicious sweet and spicy glaze.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
Fold in the chicken: Gently fold the honey pepper chicken into the mac and cheese, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chicken pieces.
Heat through: Warm the combined dish over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure everything is hot.
Serve and garnish: Plate the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To add extra richness and texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil the dish for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a quick and flavorful option for the cooked chicken.
Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level, for a milder or spicier taste.
This dish can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Using sharp cheddar cheese gives a stronger flavor, but you can substitute with mild cheddar if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American