Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you are craving something that perfectly marries the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with a delightful punch of sweet and spicy flavors, then you have to try this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish takes classic macaroni and cheese to a whole new level by adding tender pieces of honey-glazed, pepper-seasoned chicken, resulting in a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends and family, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with a winning technique that creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe plays an important role, making the dish both flavorful and comforting. From pasta to cheese and the star chicken coated in honey and pepper, each component builds layers of taste, texture, and color that shine together.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: Classic mac and cheese pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and keep it juicy while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces that soak up the honey and pepper for maximum flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, savory aroma to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste): The spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For an added smoky dimension that complements the pepper.
- 2 tablespoons honey: The heart of the honey pepper combo, giving the chicken a beautiful glaze and sweet tang.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the rich base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious, silky texture.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy liquid that forms the sauce foundation.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strands for that irresistible stretch.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings classic mac and cheese cheesiness and slight tang.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish and depth of flavor.
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds fresh bursts of flavor.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the elbow macaroni until just tender, or al dente, so it still has a slight bite. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy once it’s mixed with the cheese sauce. Drain the macaroni and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a well-rounded flavor profile. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and cooked through. Then drizzle the honey over the chicken and stir gently to coat every piece with that perfect sweet glaze. Remove from heat and keep it warm for the next step.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat to start your roux. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute, cooking out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens up to a creamy consistency, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until everything is smooth and melted. Taste and add extra black pepper if you like it more peppery.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Gently add the cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir everything together with care so the pasta doesn’t break apart and the chicken pieces stay whole. The sauce should coat every bite in creamy, cheesy goodness, with that irresistible sweet and peppery chicken flavor mingling throughout. Serve the dish warm for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are so important for elevating this dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top to add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, slightly pungent contrast to the rich cheese sauce. These garnishes also add a little texture and visual appeal that make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
While the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hearty meal on its own, pairing it with some crisp vegetables or a fresh salad lightens up the plate beautifully. Try serving it alongside steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into individual oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, and broil until golden and bubbly. This creates delightful personal servings with a crispy crust on top that everyone loves. Alternatively, you can serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb presentation or stuff it inside baked bell peppers for a colorful, impressive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days. To avoid the pasta absorbing too much sauce overnight, make sure it’s properly sealed.
Freezing
You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick or clumpy. This will bring back the creamy, cheesy texture and warm the honey pepper chicken perfectly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
Is smoked paprika necessary for the honey pepper chicken flavor?
Smoked paprika is optional, but it adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the pepperiness. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or try a pinch of regular paprika or chili powder for a slight variation.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat in your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking or stir in a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. Feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the cheeses used in this recipe?
Yes! The combination of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan provides a great balance of creaminess and sharpness, but you can swap in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby Jack depending on your preference or what you have available.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy cheese sauce and the sweet touch of honey make it appealing to kids, and by moderating the black pepper or skipping the smoked paprika, you can create a milder version that little ones will love.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The unique blend of sweet honey and spicy pepper combined with creamy, cheesy pasta and tender chicken is simply irresistible. Whether feeding the family or impressing friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to keep coming back to again and again.
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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender, honey-glazed chicken with a creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it balances sweet and spicy flavors with rich cheeses and a hint of smoked paprika.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Drizzle honey over the chicken and stir well to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional black pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken to the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired for a fresh touch and added color.
Notes
- Adjust the honey and black pepper quantities to balance sweetness and spiciness according to your taste.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce when cooking the chicken.
- Use pasta shapes of your choice for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
