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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

A deliciously creamy and savory Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combining tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with rich, melty cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, mixed into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This comforting dish offers a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese with a hint of sweetness and a peppery kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken and 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 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 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

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 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 sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  4. Glaze Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the honey pepper glaze. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. 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 the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta completely with the rich cheese mixture.
  7. Add Honey Pepper Chicken: Fold the honey pepper glazed chicken gently into the cheesy macaroni, ensuring an even distribution of chicken throughout the dish.
  8. Serve: Transfer the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  9. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and peppery flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly ground black pepper to maximize flavor.
  • If heavy cream is not available, you can substitute with full-fat milk and a tablespoon of butter, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Adjust the amount of honey and pepper according to your taste preference for sweetness and spice.
  • If you want to prepare in advance, keep the cheese sauce separate and combine just before serving to maintain creaminess.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe

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