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
Scale
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
