Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

Description

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a sweet-and-savory twist. Tender, peppery chicken is glazed in honey, then folded into ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni for a dish that’s cozy, bold, and completely irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

  • 2 Tbsp butter

  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt, to taste

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ⅓ cup honey

  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Extra cracked black pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.

  3. Add the Honey Pepper Glaze
    Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Let the chicken simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. Make the Cheese Sauce
    In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
    Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

  5. Add the Cheese
    Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste.

  6. Combine Everything
    Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken.

  7. Serve
    Spoon into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cracked black pepper if desired. Serve warm.

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