Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet honey and bold black pepper, wrapped in a rich cheese sauce, making it a satisfying and easy-to-make meal ideal for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Honey Pepper Glaze
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook them in a hot skillet with a touch of oil until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the honey pepper glaze: In the same skillet, add honey and freshly cracked black pepper, stirring to combine and gently caramelize the sauce. Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the glaze.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine everything: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces. Stir gently to ensure every bite has a perfect blend of flavors.
- Bake (optional): For a golden, bubbly crust, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor balance.
- Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
- Fresh cracked black pepper adds more robust flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more cracked pepper or chili flakes if desired.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors and thicken the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: thirtyfiveg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe
Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/