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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 cup honey - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika When making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, start with the main ingredients. Elbow macaroni gives a nice bite to the dish. I use one pound of diced chicken breast for protein and flavor. Three cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese create a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. Next, let’s talk about seasonings and sauces. Black pepper adds warmth, while garlic powder gives a subtle kick. Honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the heat. This combination makes the dish exciting and tasty. For that extra creaminess, I add one cup of milk and half a cup of softened cream cheese. This mix ensures a smooth texture. Smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness. It’s perfect for elevating the flavor profile. These ingredients work together to create a delightful dish that pleases everyone. Each bite is a balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook elbow macaroni, start with a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the macaroni and stir to keep it from sticking. Cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. To check, taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. Drain the pasta, then set it aside. For the chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast. Season it with black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir and sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Proper seasoning is key to making the chicken flavorful. Once cooked, pour in the honey and mix well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. To make the cheese sauce, grab a separate saucepan. Over medium heat, combine the milk and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and becomes smooth. This step is crucial for a creamy sauce. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce is thick and creamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed honey pepper chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly. This ensures every bite has chicken, pasta, and cheese. To enhance the flavor, add the smoked paprika. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a baked version, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Drizzle a bit of honey on top and sprinkle extra cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it is bubbly and golden on top. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your mac and cheese. To adjust seasoning, taste your dish as you go. A sprinkle of salt can enhance flavors. If you like more heat, add extra black pepper. For a unique twist, try adding smoked paprika. This spice gives a rich, warm taste. You can also explore adding cayenne for a kick or Italian herbs for a fresh note. If your cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk slowly. Stir well until you reach the right creaminess. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it cook longer. This helps it thicken nicely. Choose elbow macaroni for a classic touch. It holds sauce well, but you can use shells or cavatappi for fun shapes. Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in bowls for a cozy feel. Top with sliced green onions for color and crunch. A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and shine. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. This balance makes for a delightful meal. You can even serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality cheese can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your mac and cheese. Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your preference. For a milder taste, reduce the quantity or omit it altogether. Perfectly Creamy Sauce: Make sure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent it from clumping and to achieve a smooth consistency. Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding breadcrumbs, bacon bits, or different cheeses on top before baking for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Great choices include: - Broccoli florets - Spinach - Bell peppers - Peas You can steam or sauté these vegetables. Stir them into the cheese sauce for a tasty twist. Try adding them in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay bright and crisp. Not in the mood for chicken? No problem! You can swap chicken with: - Shrimp - Turkey - Tofu For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and heartiness. Using spices can help enhance the flavor, making your dish just as tasty. Cheese is the heart of this dish. You can try different combinations like: - Mozzarella for a stretchy texture - Gouda for a smoky flavor - Pepper jack for some heat If you're vegan, use plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Store your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the texture nice and prevents extra moisture. To freeze your mac and cheese, follow these easy steps: - Allow the dish to cool completely. - Portion it into freezer-safe containers. - Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Frozen mac and cheese can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. You can reheat your mac and cheese in two ways: the microwave or the oven. - Microwave: Place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of milk. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. To keep the creamy texture, always add a little milk when reheating. Enjoy your delicious dish again! Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the cheese sauce. Store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up in the oven or stovetop. This way, you save time and enjoy a quick meal. This dish pairs well with simple sides. You can serve a fresh salad with greens and a light dressing. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor. Garlic bread is also a tasty choice. These sides balance the creamy mac and cheese nicely. Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works great, you can try penne or shells. These shapes hold cheese sauce well. If you want a fun twist, spiral or bowtie pasta can add a creative touch. Experiment with your favorite pasta shapes! The dish has a mild spice level. Black pepper adds warmth, while honey gives sweetness. If you prefer more heat, add extra black pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the spice until it suits your liking. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. For cheese, most cheddar is gluten-free, but check the label. This way, you can enjoy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese without worries. This blog post covered all you need for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. We discussed the key ingredients and their importance. You learned steps for cooking pasta and preparing chicken. I shared tips for a creamy cheese sauce and baking options. Finally, we explored variations, storage info, and helpful FAQs. You now have the tools to make this tasty dish your own. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy mac and cheese dish with honey-glazed chicken and a hint of pepper.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the honey and mix until the chicken is well-coated. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the honey caramelizes slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a separate saucepan, over medium heat, combine the milk and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted and creamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the sautéed honey pepper chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Add in the smoked paprika and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • You can serve it immediately, but for a baked mac and cheese experience, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with a drizzle of honey and a handful of extra cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

For a baked version, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, honey, mac and cheese