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

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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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg