Irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

When you think of comfort food, honey pepper chicken mac and cheese should be at the top of your list. Imagine creamy, dreamy cheese enveloping tender pasta, with a sweet and spicy chicken that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table like moths to a flame. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Picture a cozy family dinner or a game-day gathering where everyone digs in, and laughter fills the air. The first bite will have you swooning as the flavors blend beautifully, making you wonder why you ever settled for plain old mac and cheese.

There was this one time I made honey pepper chicken mac and cheese for my friends’ potluck dinner. I could practically hear their stomachs growling from across the room when they caught a whiff of it baking in the oven! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts based on how many folks you’re feeding; tender and easy to cook.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic lovers rejoice!
• Pasta (Macaroni): Elbow macaroni works best here; it holds all the cheesy goodness perfectly.
• Shredded Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a melty masterpiece; go for quality brands for better flavor.
• Honey: Use pure honey for sweetness; it balances out the spice perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked provides heat without overwhelming; adjust according to taste preference.
• Butter: Essential for richness in the sauce; don’t skimp!
• Milk/Cream: A splash transforms your mac into luxurious creaminess; whole milk works wonders!
• Seasoning (Salt & Pepper): Simple yet crucial to enhance flavors throughout the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the honey mixture. Bake until cooked through and juices run clear.

Sauté Garlic and Add Pasta: While the chicken bakes, bring water to boil in a large pot. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. In another pan, melt butter over medium heat before adding minced garlic until fragrant.

Create Cheese Sauce: Pour milk into the pot with sautéed garlic while whisking in shredded cheese until smooth. The mixture should become gloriously thick and cheesy!

Add Chicken & Combine Ingredients: Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the cheese sauce along with drained pasta. Stir gently but thoroughly so everything gets coated in cheesy goodness.

Taste Test & Adjust Seasonings!: Don’t forget this vital step! Taste your creation and add more honey or pepper if needed—this is where you can really personalize your dish.

Bake Until Golden Brown!: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish before sprinkling extra cheese on top. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Now that you know how to whip up this honey pepper chicken mac and cheese masterpiece, get ready for cheers from family or friends as they dig into their new favorite comfort food!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook pasta while preparing the honey pepper sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and makes timing easier.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can deepen the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.

This dish always reminds me of a family gathering where everyone raved about my cooking, making me feel like a culinary wizard for just one night!

FAQ

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken with tofu or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

What kind of cheese works best?

A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates the ideal texture and flavor balance.

How can I spice it up more?

Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to elevate the heat level in the dish.

Print

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Creamy macaroni envelops tender chicken, kissed with the perfect blend of sweet honey and spicy black pepper. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also transforms any meal into a memorable gathering. Whether for a cozy dinner or a lively potluck, this mac and cheese will impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 1/3 cup pure honey
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the honey mixture; bake until juices run clear.
2. Boil water in a large pot; cook macaroni al dente. In another pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour milk into the garlic pan and whisk in cheese until smooth.
4. Chop cooked chicken and mix with cheese sauce and drained pasta until well coated.
5. Taste for seasoning adjustments, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute chicken with shrimp or include veggies like spinach or broccoli. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can enhance flavor depth.