Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
