Craving comfort food with a kick? This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese combines creamy pasta with sweet-spicy chicken for an irresistible meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish brings together creamy mac and cheese with sweet-spicy chicken for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it elevates ordinary pasta to restaurant quality with minimal effort.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients
For this delicious fusion dish, you’ll need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp black pepper (fresh cracked works best)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Tools Used to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Having the right equipment makes this recipe even easier:
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Non-stick skillet for cooking chicken
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Season chicken pieces with salt and half the black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the honey pepper sauce for chicken: In a small bowl, mix honey, remaining black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Pour half of this mixture over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Complete the sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine components: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add the honey-pepper chicken and gently mix to incorporate.
- Finish the dish: Drizzle the remaining honey-pepper sauce over the mac and cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional black pepper if desired.
Variations of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Make this recipe your own with these delicious twists:
- Bacon Addition: Cook and crumble 4-6 strips of bacon to sprinkle on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper and add a diced jalapeño to the cheese sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli florets, peas, or roasted bell peppers for nutrition and color.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered panko breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch for the roux.
Serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This hearty dish is perfect served hot in individual bowls or as part of a larger spread. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh spring salad with herb vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a family-style presentation, transfer to a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make honey pepper chicken mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all components separately. Store the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken separately in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat when ready to serve, adding a splash of milk to revitalize the sauce.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as honey substitutes, though they’ll impart slightly different flavors to the dish.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred about 2 cups and toss with the honey pepper sauce.
How do I adjust the spice level?
For milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, increase cayenne or add red pepper flakes.
What’s the best cheese to use for mac and cheese?
A combination of medium or sharp cheddar with mozzarella provides the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. You could also incorporate monterey jack or gouda for variation.
Final Thoughts
This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will request again. Try it tonight and watch it become your new family favorite!
More Recipes to Try!
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Chicken Rice Casserole
- California Turkey Club Wraps
- Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
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