If you’re craving comfort food with a delightful twist, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is here to become your new go-to dish. It combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with juicy, honey-glazed chicken pieces that add a perfect balance of sweet and peppery flavor. Every forkful is a warm hug for your taste buds, making it an irresistible meal for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing creamy texture, a hint of sweetness, or that irresistible savory punch.

8 ounces elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy cheese sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a golden, flavorful finish.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender protein that soaks up the honey pepper glaze beautifully.
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds a bold kick that complements the sweet honey.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
2 tablespoons honey: For that luscious glaze that makes the chicken sing.
2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy cheese sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly for smooth indulgence.
2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and balance to the cheese sauce.
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, tangy flavor for a classic mac and cheese taste.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty stretch and mild creaminess.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty depth and salty finish.
Extra black pepper and chopped parsley for garnish: To brighten and finish the dish with a fresh touch.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures every bite has just the right amount of bite and softness. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to be enveloped in that luscious cheese sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with cracked black pepper and salt. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, toss the chicken with the honey, letting it glaze in the pan for a minute to develop that irresistibly sticky and flavorful coating. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create a rich base. Whisk in the flour and cook this mixture for about a minute, forming a roux that will thicken your sauce nicely. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni to your silky cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece with cheesy goodness. Finally, fold in those beautiful honey pepper chicken bites, making sure each forkful promises a mix of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cracked black pepper and some freshly chopped parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also introduces fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the dish and add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or steamed broccoli also complement this cozy meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil briefly until bubbly and golden. You can also add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for texture or spoon it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, impressive presentation at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and the cheese sauce creamy, so you can enjoy this dish again without losing its charm.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to preserve the creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage. Alternatively, use a microwave with short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for this recipe, feel free to swap in shells, cavatappi, or even rotini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free or vegan?

You can definitely modify it by using plant-based milk and vegan cheese substitutes, along with vegan butter. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the cheese sauce. This will complement the honey glaze on the chicken beautifully.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and glaze the chicken up to a day before and store it in the fridge. When ready, just reheat gently and add it to the mac and cheese before serving.

What’s the best way to make the cheese sauce extra creamy?

Using whole milk and a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses ensures a rich, smooth sauce. Remember to whisk constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps and achieve that silky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor wrapped into one. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and the addictive sweetness and spice of honey pepper chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you might just find your new ultimate comfort food.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender honey pepper glazed chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This stovetop Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese blends sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with al dente elbow macaroni, creating a delicious, family-friendly main course that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces elbow macaroni

Chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Extra black pepper
Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with cracked black pepper and salt. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6–8 minutes. Add the honey, tossing the chicken to coat evenly, and continue cooking for another minute to glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces to merge all flavors.
Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls or plates, garnish with extra cracked black pepper and chopped parsley as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
You can substitute chicken tenders or use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.
Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American