Irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping tender chunks of chicken, all kissed with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your neighbors knocking at the door, wondering if you’re hosting a dinner party or just indulging in some culinary magic.

This delightful dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or simply when you need a comfort food hug on a dreary day. I remember the first time I made Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese; my friend was over, and we both ended up devouring half the batch while debating if it would be acceptable to have it for breakfast too. Spoiler alert: It was totally acceptable.

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best here; feel free to adjust depending on your crowd size.

• Pasta (Macaroni): Elbow macaroni holds creamy sauce perfectly; you can also use shells for added flair.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet honey.

• Honey: Use pure honey for the best sweetness; it balances the spice perfectly in this dish.

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds that essential kick; don’t skimp on this!

For the Sauce:

• Milk: Whole milk creates a rich and creamy sauce that’s simply divine when mixed with cheese.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and add richness to your cheese sauce.

• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce beautifully; be sure to cook it slightly to eliminate raw flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well while letting those delicious noodles sit patiently, ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness coming later.

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt some butter. Add your diced chicken breast, seasoning generously with black pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about five to seven minutes should do it!

Once your chicken is looking scrumptious, drizzle in that glorious honey. Stir everything together as it bubbles away—let those sweet and spicy aromas fill your kitchen like a warm hug.

Now it’s time for the creamy cheese sauce! In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat before adding flour. Whisk continuously until it turns light golden brown—this creates a roux that’s crucial for thickness.

Slowly pour in milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a velvety sauce—this can take around five minutes.

Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese into your creamy mix while stirring until it’s fully melted and gooey—trust me, you’ll want to dive right into this pot!

Combine your cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every noodle is coated in cheesy bliss—a little patience here really pays off!

Lastly, transfer everything into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle some extra cheese on top for good measure (because who doesn’t love more cheese?). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about twenty minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Serve your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hot out of the oven, garnished with extra cracked black pepper if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about how you successfully created this masterpiece without burning down your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich cheese sauce. This efficient sequence keeps everything hot and delicious, ensuring your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a hit.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses or even toss in some crispy bacon bits for added flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Sometimes, my friends declare this dish as their favorite, especially during cozy movie nights. Their delighted faces are all the encouragement I need to whip up another batch!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To prepare Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you will need chicken breast, macaroni, honey, black pepper, cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and mozzarella), milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These ingredients blend together to create a creamy sauce that complements the tender chicken pieces perfectly. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.

How long does it take to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes time for boiling the pasta, cooking the chicken, and preparing the creamy cheese sauce. If you want to save time, consider prepping some ingredients in advance. The dish is quick to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying family meals.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese by using different types of cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella offer a great flavor combination, feel free to experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or parmesan for added depth. Just remember that the melting properties of the cheese will affect the final texture of your mac and cheese.

How can I store leftovers of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To store leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. Enjoy your delicious leftovers as a quick meal option throughout the week!

Conclusion for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines savory chicken with creamy cheese sauce over tender pasta for a delightful meal. The unique blend of honey and black pepper adds a sweet-spicy kick that elevates this comfort food classic. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this dish is perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite cheeses or additional spices to suit your taste preferences!

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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together creamy, cheesy pasta and tender chicken in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe creates an irresistible aroma that will have everyone flocking to the table. With its crunchy topping and rich flavors, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup pure honey
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken, season with black pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
3. Drizzle honey over the cooked chicken, mixing well until bubbling.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour to form a roux until light golden brown.
5. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine pasta with the chicken mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
7. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, substitute chicken with shrimp or include vegetables like spinach. - Enhance flavor by adding crispy bacon bits or trying different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack.