Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken glazed in a sweet and peppery honey sauce with rich, cheesy macaroni. This hearty meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or special occasion, offering a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Chicken & Glaze
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Glaze: Stir in the honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to coat with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Add Chicken: Fold the honey pepper chicken into the macaroni and cheese mixture, evenly distributing the chicken throughout.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor intensity in the glaze.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- Adjust the amount of honey and black pepper to suit your sweetness and spice preferences.
- For a lighter dish, use reduced-fat cheese and cream alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, honey glazed chicken
