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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 one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, and rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This easy-to-make recipe combines creamy textures and bold flavors, ideal for cozy weeknight meals or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the diced chicken with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. Heat butter or oil in a hot skillet, then sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring not to overcook to maintain a firm texture.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour (approximately 2 tbsp) to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add honey, fresh cracked black pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
  4. Combine Cheese and Sauce: Lower the heat and gradually stir shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce until completely melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and creamy enough to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
  5. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the creamy honey pepper cheese sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Don’t skip making a roux to ensure a smooth and thickened sauce.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper elevates the heat and aroma compared to pre-ground pepper.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain ideal texture once combined with the sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to balance sweetness with the peppery spice according to your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, One-Pan Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Family Meal

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