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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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4 from 48 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni made with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make dinner recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking for a flavorful, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken and 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

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
  2. 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 until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the honey pepper glaze until well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and make sure every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Add Honey Pepper Chicken: Fold the honey pepper glazed chicken into the cheesy macaroni mixture, distributing it evenly throughout the dish.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey pepper glaze.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or shells.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

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