Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy macaroni combined with tender honey pepper chicken creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken with honey, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, then fold in the honey pepper chicken. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For a bolder flavor, add extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Try smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop sauté, boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
