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)
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.
Notes
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap chicken for bacon
- Best served fresh or reheat gently with milk
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
