Irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy mac and honey pepper chicken creates a mouthwatering fusion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Comfort food meets gourmet adventure in this unexpected culinary delight.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark magic in kitchens everywhere.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked pasta, drizzled with a golden honey-pepper sauce.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Why Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Is A Comfort Favorite

• Savor Flavorful Fusion: Combines sweet honey-glazed chicken with creamy mac and cheese for a mouthwatering meal that blends comfort food with gourmet excitement.
• Master Versatile Cooking: Simple techniques like searing chicken and making cheese sauce teach essential culinary skills perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their repertoire.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Offers a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping cheese types, adding extra spices, or incorporating different protein options to match personal taste preferences.

Everything You Need For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides a hearty protein base for the dish.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.

• Butter, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a rich and smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a bold and creamy flavor to the mac and cheese.

• Honey: A natural sweetener that caramelizes and creates a glossy, sweet-spicy coating for the chicken.

• Garlic, Breadcrumbs: Garlic adds aromatic depth, while breadcrumbs provide a crispy and golden texture to the dish.

How To Whip Up Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Season Chicken with Spice Blend

Rub chicken breasts thoroughly with a harmonious mix of salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring every inch gets an even, flavorful coating.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.

Step 3: Drizzle Honey Glaze

Generously drizzle honey over the cooked chicken, allowing it to caramelize and create a glossy, sweet-spicy finish. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest before slicing into delectable bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Cook Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and develops a light golden hue, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Lower the heat and gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, crafting a silky smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.

Step 7: Melt Cheese into Smooth Sauce

Slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously creamy mixture.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely embraced by the creamy goodness.

Step 9: Add Honey Glazed Chicken

Gently mix sliced honey-glazed chicken into the mac and cheese, distributing the protein throughout the dish for a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 10: Create Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and briefly broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns a delightful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the mac and cheese immediately, adding an extra sprinkle of black pepper if you desire an additional flavor kick.

Tips That Help With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust without excess moisture.
• Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken to develop rich caramelization without burning the exterior.
• Create Smooth Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and whisk constantly when adding milk and cheese to prevent sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast breadcrumbs separately with a touch of olive oil before sprinkling on top for extra crunchiness and nutty undertones.
• Balance Seasoning: Taste cheese sauce before adding chicken and adjust salt levels to ensure harmonious flavor throughout the dish.

Tasty Ideas For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Mix in pepper jack cheese and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Mac: Use oregano and thyme instead of paprika. Substitute feta cheese for cheddar and add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the mix.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap macaroni with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the crispy topping.

What To Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Elevate Honey Glazed Chicken Mac and Cheese Pairings
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly balances the dish's rich, sweet, and creamy profile with bright, refreshing notes that cut through the cheese's heaviness.
• Match Robust Green Salad: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds to provide a fresh, crisp contrast against the mac and cheese's decadent texture.
• Serve Zesty Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots that echo the chicken's sweet undertones while adding nutritional balance and vibrant color to the plate.

How To Keep Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Good To Go

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Stays good for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness. Cover dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add small amount of milk or cream. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Answers To Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Questions

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of sweet honey-glazed chicken and creamy mac and cheese makes it appealing to children, with mild flavors and familiar ingredients that most kids enjoy.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can substitute with monterey jack, gouda, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile.

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked through without being dry.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, though the breadcrumbs are best added just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets excitement in this honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, blending southern hospitality with gourmet flair. Creamy pasta, golden-crusted chicken, and sweet-spicy notes promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp black pepper

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 16 oz (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating across the entire surface.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Drizzle honey over cooked chicken, allowing it to caramelize and create a glossy, sweet-spicy glaze. Remove chicken and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
7. Slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and fully melted.
8. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
9. Gently mix sliced honey-glazed chicken into the mac and cheese, distributing protein throughout the dish.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and briefly broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns golden and crispy.
11. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easier slicing.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and better spice adherence.
• Select a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Customize the dish by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg