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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with a sweet and peppery honey glaze, then combined with creamy cheddar cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for added texture, this dish is a delightful family-friendly meal that combines sweetness, spice, and cheesy goodness all in one bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Topping

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the macaroni cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes.
  4. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add honey. Stir and let it warm slightly to combine flavors with the leftover oil and chicken bits in the pan.
  5. Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it in the skillet with the honey glaze, coating the pieces evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or add olive oil if preferred). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add Cheese to Sauce: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  8. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
  9. Add the Honey Pepper Chicken: Gently fold the honey pepper chicken pieces into the mac and cheese, distributing it evenly.
  10. Finish with Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the ¼ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. For a crispier topping, place the skillet under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy. If you prefer, you can also toast the breadcrumbs separately and sprinkle them on top cold.
  11. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells or penne.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 1 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
  • Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute with 2% milk to reduce fat.
  • Breadcrumb topping can be omitted for a softer texture.

Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/