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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

This delightful Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese combines tender pieces of chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, enveloped in creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a comforting dish that promises to satisfy your cravings while being easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for pasta
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 baking dish
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour to make a roux, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the milk while whisking, allowing the mixture to thicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  • In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through.
  • Pour the honey, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper over the chicken, stirring until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and the honey pepper chicken in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. You can add extra cheese on top for a gooey finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven, let sit for a couple of minutes, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Feel free to customize the cheese blend to suit your taste.
For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese.