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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese That's Pure Comfort

Discover the perfect blend of flavors in this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, wrapping you in rich comfort and delightful sweetness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil can be replaced with butter
  • 2 boneless skinless breasts Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts can substitute with turkey or tofu
  • to taste Salt adjust to taste
  • to taste Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Honey maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as alternatives
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes reduce or omit for less spice
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter substitute with margarine for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can serve as an alternative
  • 1 cup Milk use almond or oat milk for non-dairy options
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream replace with additional milk for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese cheese alternatives available for dietary inclusivity
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese cheese alternatives available for dietary inclusivity
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder can use fresh garlic as a substitution
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder can use fresh onions as a substitution
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley optional garnish for freshness and color

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • separate saucepan
  • Whisk
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, allowing any excess water to drip away.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and drizzle in the honey and sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the glaze, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and bubbly.
  5. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. As the liquid thickens, add garlic powder and onion powder.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is velvety smooth.
  7. Once the cheese sauce is ready, fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Gently stir in the honey pepper chicken.
  8. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese and broil in the oven on high for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. After broiling, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Prevent lumpy sauce by stirring continuously while adding milk. Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking. Adjust spice level to preference. Incorporate sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.

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