If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mash-up, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to steal your heart (and taste buds)! Imagine forkfuls of creamy, oozy cheddar and mozzarella-coated pasta, punctuated with juicy chicken bites glazed in golden honey and freshly ground black pepper. This dish hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, cheesy, and gently spiced. It’s the kind of meal that turns any weeknight into a special occasion, and it’s downright impossible to stop at just one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how these classic, easy-to-find ingredients come together to make something truly extraordinary. Each element brings a unique flavor, texture, or burst of color, helping Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese shine as the hero of your dinner table.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape, perfect for catching all that luscious cheese sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps get that beautiful golden sear on your chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: A lean, protein-packed base that soaks up the honey pepper glaze, or swap with thighs if you prefer a juicier bite.
- Salt and pepper: Brings out the flavors in both the chicken and creamy sauce.
- Honey: A must for the signature sweet glaze that makes this mac and cheese extra special.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Don’t skimp here! It provides a pop of gentle heat to balance the honey.
- Butter: Starts the cheese sauce off right, adding rich flavor and silkiness.
- All-purpose flour: For thickening the sauce to that perfect, creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Gives the sauce a smooth texture and rich body.
- Heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess that coats every noodle.
- Garlic powder: For subtle depth and a hint of savory warmth in the sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The main event for bold, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Lends that irresistible cheesy pull and mild creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A flavor booster that polishes the sauce with its salty, nutty bite.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, pretty pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions for that ideal, tender-yet-firm al dente bite. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set aside—they’ll be soaking up a lot of creamy sauce soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, and sear them in the hot skillet until fully cooked and beautifully golden. This is where you’re building flavor and those savory, caramelized bits that make every forkful amazing.
Step 3: Add the Honey and Pepper
Turn the heat down and drizzle in your honey, along with a full tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat every piece of chicken in that sticky, glossy glaze. This is the secret to the sweet-and-spicy combo that sets Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese apart from the rest.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet, then melt butter in the same pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a smooth roux—this is crucial for a velvety cheese sauce with no lumps. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pasta
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, then add your cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything melts together into a dreamy, luscious sauce. Fold in your cooked macaroni, making sure each noodle is completely coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Combine with Honey Pepper Chicken
Gently return the honey pepper chicken to the skillet, folding it through the mac and cheese. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken pieces are piping hot. That’s it—the ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is ready to serve!
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish, adding a splash of color and hint of freshness. For a little extra magic, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even an extra handful of Parmesan before serving. It’s those finishing touches that make homemade mac and cheese feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This comfort food feast pairs beautifully with simple sides—a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with lemony vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also make for a colorful, healthy counterpoint to your macaroni masterpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really impress? Spoon your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into little ramekins for individual servings, or bake it for a few minutes topped with extra mozzarella for an irresistibly golden-bubbly finish. You can even serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside garlic toast for the ultimate carb-lover’s delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (lucky you!), store portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making reheated leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let the mac and cheese cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a creamy, almost-as-good-as-fresh experience.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish and cover with foil, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, the microwave is also fine—just add a splash of milk and stir halfway through to keep everything luscious and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives the classic look and texture, shells, cavatappi, or penne also work beautifully to hold the cheesy sauce.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Yes—simply swap the regular pasta and flour for your favorite gluten-free versions. The cheese sauce and honey pepper chicken will still be every bit as delicious.
What can I do if I want more heat?
If you crave extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while glazing the chicken or even a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can! Simply toss your cooked chicken pieces with the honey and pepper glaze in the skillet until warmed through. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and get dinner on the table fast.
How can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese lighter?
For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for extra whole milk, use part-skim mozzarella, and consider adding in steamed veggies like broccoli or peas.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to whip up a bubbling pot of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! This is the kind of comfort food that makes any day a little brighter and brings everyone running to the table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s most-requested dinner—just grab an extra fork or two and dig right in!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta is combined with honey-glazed and pepper-seasoned chicken for a savory and sweet flavor explosion.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Season and sauté chicken until cooked through. Toss with honey and black pepper.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, then fold in the honey pepper chicken. Simmer briefly and serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
