Print

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and a sweet-spicy twist. Tender pieces of honey pepper chicken are combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  3. Add Honey Pepper Glaze: Stir in the honey and crushed red pepper flakes to coat the cooked chicken evenly. Remove the skillet from heat and set the chicken aside.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux.
  5. Incorporate Liquids and Spices: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder and onion powder, stirring to combine flavor.
  6. Add Cheeses: Add the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy mixture.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all pasta is well coated.
  8. Fold in Honey Pepper Chicken: Gently fold the prepared honey pepper chicken pieces into the cheesy macaroni mixture.
  9. Bake for Golden Finish: Transfer the mac and cheese with chicken into a baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Ensure to cook the pasta al dente as it will cook further during baking to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Baking under the broiler is optional but highly recommended for a crisp, golden cheese topping.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level.
  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, baked pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/