Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with creamy three-cheese macaroni. Cooked pasta is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, then mixed with succulent honey pepper chicken, creating the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and peppery flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe is ideal for a hearty family meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Honey Pepper Glaze: Stir in the honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper into the butter and garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened to create a glossy glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly in the honey pepper glaze. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate large saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat until it begins to gently simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously to melt the cheese fully and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the honey pepper glazed chicken to the macaroni and cheese and fold gently to distribute it evenly throughout the dish without breaking the pasta or chicken pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese with chicken to a serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother cheese sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Low-fat milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnishing with additional cracked black pepper can enhance the peppery flavor.
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Honey Pepper Chicken, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Chicken Dinner
