Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that brings together all the goodness of creamy, gooey cheese, tender honey-glazed chicken, and just the right pop of pepper. Every spoonful is loaded with flavor and the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a tiny tingle of spice. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day, feeding a busy family, or looking to impress at a potluck, this mac and cheese variation never disappoints and always draws a crowd.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about using everyday ingredients smartly, letting each one shine through both flavor and comfort. Every element brings something special, so don’t skip – it’s how you get that magical taste and texture in every creamy bite.

Elbow macaroni (8 oz, cooked and drained): The classic choice for catching all that luscious cheese sauce in its little curves.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Juicy and perfect for soaking up the sweet honey pepper glaze.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown chicken exterior.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for brightening up the flavors right from the start.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon, divided): Brings the gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
Honey (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient for sweet, sticky goodness on the chicken.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Builds the rich foundation for your ultra-creamy cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Combines with butter to make a roux, thickening that velvety sauce.
Whole milk (2 cups): Keeps things extra creamy and smooth – don’t go skim here!
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Packs in a bold cheesy flavor and gorgeous color.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts beautifully, adding stretchy gooeyness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Gives a little nutty, salty punch to each forkful.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Subtly lifts the flavor profile of your cheese sauce.
Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Adds a hint of smokiness and a warm golden hue.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh sprinkle for a pop of color and lightness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with salt and half the black pepper. This simple seasoning sinks into the meat and gives the best savory foundation. Add them to a large skillet with hot olive oil, cooking over medium-high heat until they transform into golden, juicy perfection, about 6–7 minutes. You want those edges caramelized for the best flavor.

Step 2: Create the Honey Pepper Glaze

Once your chicken is almost done, lower the heat and drizzle in the honey. Stir everything together so each piece is coated and gleaming. The honey gets sticky and delicious, while cracking black pepper over the top gives your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese its signature pop. Set it aside so those flavors can meld as you make your sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in your flour to form a roux. Cook this mix for 1–2 minutes – you want the raw flour taste gone, but no browning. Next, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly; this keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. In 3–4 minutes, the sauce thickens beautifully, ready for cheese magic.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Spices

Lower the heat and stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, the rest of your black pepper, and all three cheeses. Keep stirring patiently – the sauce will go from pale to perfectly creamy, with flecks of cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and salty parmesan marrying together. Taste for seasoning and swoon a little at the aroma.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently so everything is evenly coated. Now, bring in the glazed chicken – honey, pepper, and all – folding it into the macaroni for maximum coverage. Serve your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, made irresistible with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A quick sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley livens up the whole dish, adding color and a touch of brightness. If you like a little kick, throw on some red pepper flakes or even a quick zest of lemon over the top – the freshness is lovely alongside the rich cheese sauce.

Side Dishes

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies. The greens and a tangy vinaigrette help balance out all that creamy richness, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for another forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for easy dinner party portions. Or, pile the cheesy goodness high in a cast iron skillet and set it right on the table family-style. You can even scoop it into bread bowls for a wow-worthy comfort food feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep any leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to mingle overnight, making leftovers just as tempting as the first serving.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a later date, freeze individual portions in microwave-safe containers. Let them cool completely before freezing, and they’ll be ready to enjoy for up to two months. Just know the cheese sauce may lose a little creaminess but will still taste fabulous.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Stir frequently to keep the cheese sauce smooth and luscious, and cover with foil if using the oven so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the full dish, let it cool, and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, reheat gently to revive all that cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic for catching the cheese sauce, shells, rotini, or penne all work beautifully. Just try to use a shape with grooves or curves to hold onto that dreamy sauce and honey pepper chicken.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you’re feeling adventurous, crispy bacon is a delicious swap. For a vegetarian version, roasted cauliflower or even mushrooms adapt to the honey and pepper glaze surprisingly well!

How can I make this spicier?

Like things hot? Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when glazing the chicken, or stir some hot sauce right into the cheese sauce for extra fire.

Can I make it lighter?

Sure! You can use reduced-fat cheese and leaner chicken cuts, but keep in mind it may lose a little richness. Using whole milk is key to keeping the sauce creamy, so avoid swapping it for nonfat if possible.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese—it truly transforms everyday ingredients into something memorable and crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it on a casual night in or making an impression at a gathering, this dish is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Give it a try, and get ready for a new family favorite!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this stovetop mac and cheese is elevated with tender honey pepper chicken pieces, creating a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
2 tablespoons honey

For the Mac and Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Drizzle honey over the chicken and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, cook until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cheeses until melted.
Combine and Serve: Mix cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, then fold in the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.