Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that brings together the rich creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory sweetness of honey and the kick of peppered chicken. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also warms your heart with every bite. Originating from the fusion of Southern and American cuisines, it has quickly become a favorite in many households, including mine. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a texture that is both indulgent and satisfying.

People love Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for its unique flavor profile that balances sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready for the chicken once we marinate it. 2. In a large bowl, combine the honey, black pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth marinade. 3. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to mix into the mac and cheese later. 4. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours will enhance the flavor even more.

Cooking the Chicken

5. After marinating, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and let it heat up. 6. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white all the way through with no pink. 7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This will allow the juices to settle while we prepare the mac and cheese.

Preparing the Mac and Cheese

8. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 9. While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken our cheese sauce. 10. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes. 11. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. 12. Drain the cooked macaroni and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious cheesy goodness.

Combining Chicken and Mac and Cheese

13. Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken pieces to the mac and cheese mixture. Gently fold the chicken into the pasta and cheese sauce until evenly distributed. 14. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

Baking the Dish

15. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. 16. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. 17. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the mac and cheese set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Serving the

Conclusion:

In summary, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The combination of tender chicken, a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, and creamy, cheesy pasta creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just a special treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding in your favorite vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, or even swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist. I encourage you to give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative variations you came up with. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite! Print