Description
Enjoy a deliciously creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, featuring tender marinated chicken and rich, cheesy pasta, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, black pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a marinade.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Fold in the cooked chicken until well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit it for a milder dish.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes