Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with a tantalizing twist—Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The creamy goodness of mac and cheese, combined with the savory appeal of honey-infused chicken and a kick of black pepper, makes it an irresistible option for any family dinner or casual gathering.

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This delightful dish elevates classic comfort food into a tantalizing meal that your family will love. Featuring creamy elbow macaroni, tender honey-glazed chicken, and a hint of black pepper, it’s easy to make and ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Embrace the nostalgia of mac and cheese while enjoying its exciting twist. Try this recipe for an unforgettable dining experience!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, diced

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon crushed black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, crushed black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add honey to the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the honey to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it's golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).

Combine Cheese: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, honey pepper chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Serve: Divide the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls, and if desired, garnish with chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

Enjoy this sweet and spicy twist on a classic comfort dish!