Description

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served on top of creamy, cheesy macaroni. The combination of flavors is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, making this dish the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Mac & Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra cracked black pepper

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

3️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium-low and add honey, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce is well mixed and slightly reduced, add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat the chicken in the honey pepper sauce. Set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5️⃣ Combine Everything:

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Once the pasta is well mixed with the creamy cheese sauce, fold in the honey pepper chicken.
Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld together.

6️⃣ Serve:

Serve the creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. Try adding a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and chicken separately ahead of time and then combine them when ready to serve.
Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey pepper sauce for an extra kick.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min