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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese You'll Crave

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines honey, spicy pepper, and creamy cheese for a comforting meal you'll love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Easy Dinners
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni a classic pasta shape

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean protein
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground pepper

For the Glaze

  • ¼ cup honey adds sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce adds umami
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for the roux
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk for creaminess
  • 1 cup heavy cream for a richer flavor
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese for bold cheesy flavor
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds nuttiness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for aromatic sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder for added flavor

Instructions
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

  • Begin by boiling 2 cups of elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water. Cook until al dente, around 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Pour over the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Slowly add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing gently until coated.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Fold in the honey pepper chicken, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.
    Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg
Keyword cheesy chicken, comfort food, Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, easy pasta, quick dinner
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