Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with a delightful twist of sweet honey and spicy pepper. This crowd-pleasing dish features tender chicken and gooey cheddar cheese enveloped in perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Elevate your family dinners with this unforgettable recipe that promises to impress every palate!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1 tsp black pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, and add diced chicken. Season with salt and garlic powder; cook until golden brown.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the same skillet, bring to a simmer, then stir in cheddar until melted.
- Add Honey and Pepper: Mix in honey and black pepper flakes to taste until well combined.
- Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce with sautéed chicken until evenly coated.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg