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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce combined with a creamy, cheesy pasta base. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, with options to customize according to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Chicken and Glaze

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce and chicken.
  2. Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken: In a warm skillet, cook the seasoned chicken breast pieces until golden brown and fully cooked. Then, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cracked black pepper, gently tossing to coat and glaze the chicken evenly.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, stirring until melted and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese Sauce: Mix the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce and honey pepper chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
  5. Optional Baking: For an extra warm and bubbly finish, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother sauces.
  • Don’t skip cooking the roux properly to avoid a grainy sauce.
  • Add honey and pepper to chicken just off the heat to keep the glaze shiny and sticky.
  • Taste and adjust salt or pepper to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Reserve a little pasta cooking water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick before combining.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, weeknight dinner

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