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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese
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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with smooth macaroni and cheese, enhanced by a bold honey-pepper glaze. This meal perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, customizable in heat and ingredients, and delivers a satisfying one-dish meal that delights with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
  • 2 ½ cups milk (use low-fat or dairy-free alternatives if desired)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or cheese blend of choice)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste

Glaze & Seasoning

  • 3 tbsp honey (wildflower or clover honey recommended)
  • Fresh black pepper, for drizzling and seasoning
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Fold in the sliced chicken pieces gently to combine all flavors.
  5. Add Honey Pepper Glaze: Drizzle honey over the combined mac and cheese with chicken. Sprinkle additional black pepper and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Stir lightly or leave some glaze on top for contrast and added visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold, rich flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to maintain a perfect al dente texture.
  • Adjust pepper and red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level.
  • Rest cooked chicken to keep it juicy and tender before slicing.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a vibrant, peppery taste.
  • Try different honey varieties like wildflower or orange blossom for unique flavor notes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, spicy chicken, comfort food, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-cheese/