Introduction

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender chicken with a luscious cheese sauce and a sweet, spicy honey pepper glaze. It’s a comforting, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

The dish is a close-up of creamy macaroni pasta with grilled chicken pieces layered on top. The macaroni is a pale yellow and looks soft, coated in a rich, smooth cheese sauce. Grilled chicken chunks with a slightly charred, brown and white texture are scattered across the pasta. The whole dish is sprinkled with small, bright green herbs and some red pepper flakes, adding color contrast. The food is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and coat the pasta well.
Step 8: Fold the honey pepper chicken into the mac and cheese, mixing gently to incorporate evenly.
Step 9: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Step 10: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Tips & Variations

Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and a nice spicy kick.
Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or additional cream when making the cheese sauce.
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey glaze for a smoky depth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. It’s best enjoyed fresh but keeps well when properly stored.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy macaroni and cheese layered at the bottom, showing rich yellow noodles coated in melted cheese sauce; on top, grilled chicken pieces with a slightly charred brown edge are scattered, then sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and small flakes of red chili; finely shredded white cheese tops the dish, blending with the layers below. The dish is placed on a surface with white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or cavatappi that hold the cheese sauce well.

Is this recipe spicy?

This dish has a mild spiciness from the black pepper balanced by the sweetness of honey, making it approachable for most tastes. Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender chicken breast pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with a rich, cheesy macaroni base. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, this stovetop dish delivers comforting, flavorful, and satisfying results perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken & Sauce:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cheese Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
Cook the 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 cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make Honey Pepper Glaze: Stir in the honey and the remaining teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly to coat with the honey pepper glaze. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over low heat, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to fully coat the pasta with the creamy cheese mixture.
Add Chicken: Fold the honey pepper chicken into the macaroni and cheese evenly, combining all components well.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of this comforting dish.

Notes

Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact in the honey pepper glaze.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
For a lighter version, you may substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Customize the cheese mix with your favorites, but cheddar adds the sharpness essential to balancing the honey.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Macaroni, Comfort Food, Cheese Sauce, Quick Dinner, Chicken Recipe