Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. This easy one-pot meal combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze for a satisfying dish that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like shells or cavatappi)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup gouda or pepper jack cheese, optional
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a lower-calorie option)
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes/cayenne for extra spice)
- 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or non-dairy milk)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil/vegan butter)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk for about a minute until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low, then add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with additional honey, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle a little extra honey on top for that sweet finish!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Adjust the amount of black pepper and other spices according to your preference. Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.