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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that blends tender chicken coated in honey and freshly cracked black pepper with a rich, velvety macaroni and cheese sauce. Combining sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors, this recipe is quick and family-friendly, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup (optional)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, generous amount

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of honey. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly, allowing the sauce to thicken smoothly. Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and velvety. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni and honey pepper chicken into the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the creamy mac and cheese with chicken immediately for the best taste and texture. Optionally, garnish with extra cracked black pepper or a drizzle of honey for an additional flavor boost.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for brighter, bolder flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente noodles hold sauce better.
  • Heat cheese sauce gently to prevent clumping.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest briefly to retain juices.
  • Adjust honey amount according to preferred sweetness.

Nutrition

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

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