Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that brings together the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of honey-glazed chicken and a hint of spice. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my household, not just for its incredible taste but also for its ability to bring everyone together around the dinner table. The combination of sweet and spicy creates a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Originating from the heart of American cuisine, mac and cheese has long been a staple in many homes, often associated with childhood memories and family gatherings. By adding honey and pepper to the mix, I’ve taken this beloved dish to new heights, infusing it with a modern twist that reflects our evolving culinary landscape. People love this dish not only for its comforting texture but also for its convenience; it’s a one-pot wonder that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup of macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I love using a non-stick skillet for this recipe to prevent any sticking.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check the doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white all the way through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the honey and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sweet and savory sauce. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial as it gives the chicken a delicious glaze.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the chicken is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, as we’ll use it later to adjust the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot you used for the pasta, return it to low heat and add the milk and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the milk. This will create a creamy base for our cheese sauce.
- Next, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cheese sauce is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
Combining Everything
- Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Next, fold in the honey-glazed chicken, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the mac and cheese. The combination of the sweet chicken and cheesy pasta is simply irresistible!
Assembling and Baking (Optional)
- If you prefer a baked version with a crispy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe.
- If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This will give it a lovely crunch when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to dive in right away!
Serving
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup of macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken breast, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to coat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low, add honey and soy sauce, and stir to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In the same pot, return to low heat and add milk and softened cream cheese. Stir until melted.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Fold in honey-glazed chicken evenly throughout the mixture.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion:
In summary, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The combination of tender chicken, a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, and creamy, cheesy pasta creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just a special treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful dish with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, or even swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
I encourage you to give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative variations you came up with. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
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