Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

why make this recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey with a touch of heat from pepper flakes. It's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe will become a favorite in your household.

how to make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add honey and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
5. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
7. Add mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
8. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat with the cheese sauce.
9. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces.
10. Transfer everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

how to serve Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Serve this creamy dish warm, right from the oven, for the best experience. You can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more heat!

how to store Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store leftovers, cool the mac and cheese completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

tips to make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
• Try adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

variation

You can easily customize this dish by using different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Parmesan. For a smoky flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add in more veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat macaroni instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, whole wheat macaroni can be used for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it might take longer to cook.

2. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be frozen. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer in an airtight container.

3. Can I add more spices or vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms would be great additions.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delightful twist on the classic comfort food, this recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey with a touch of heat from pepper flakes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook according to package directions until al dente.

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Seasoned with salt and pepper.

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust based on heat preference.
• 2 tablespoons butter Used for creating the cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Use freshly shredded for best results.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Use freshly shredded for best results.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Garnish

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add honey and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cheese Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
2. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Add mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.

Assembly

1. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat with the cheese sauce.
2. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces.
3. Transfer everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Try adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

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