Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an irresistible fusion of classic comfort and bold flavors. Tender chicken glazed in a sweet and peppery sauce combined with rich, cheesy macaroni creates a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 12 oz elbow macaroni or shells
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Toss chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss the glaze with the cooked chicken.
4. Step 4: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Fold in the cooked pasta and glazed chicken. Stir well until fully coated. Heat an additional minute or two to meld flavors together.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• Don’t skip the honey pepper glaze — it adds a unique flavor twist that makes the dish addictive.
• If the sauce becomes too thick after combining, thin it with a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat or use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Try other cheeses like Gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring frequently to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Save some extra sauce on the side to loosen the mac and cheese when reheating. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I use other cheeses?

Absolutely. Cheeses like Gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar bring wonderful depth and variety to this dish without compromising creaminess.

What pasta shape works best?

Shells, elbow macaroni, or cavatappi are ideal because they hold the creamy cheese sauce well, making every bite flavorful.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion dish combining classic creamy mac and cheese with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This recipe elevates comfort food by blending rich, cheesy pasta with a bold honey-pepper flavor profile, making it a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the honey pepper glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the mac and cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or shells
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:

   Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and cook the chicken:

   Toss the thinly sliced chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the honey pepper glaze:

   Combine honey, soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss the glaze with the cooked chicken to coat evenly.

4. Make the cheese sauce:

   In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Add the cheese:

   Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and silky. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine everything:

   Fold the cooked pasta and honey pepper glazed chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. Warm the combined dish for an additional minute or two to meld the flavors before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Don’t skip the honey pepper glaze; it provides the signature bold flavor twist to the dish.
• If the sauce becomes too thick after combining with pasta and chicken, thin it out by adding a splash of milk.
• If the cheese sauce turns grainy, gently heat it over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
• For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breast or slice breast thinly and avoid overcooking.
• If the dish tastes too sweet, add additional black pepper or a dash more vinegar to balance the flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Chicken Dinner, Fusion Recipe, Creamy Cheese Sauce, Easy Weeknight Meal