Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights

Delight in Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a comforting family dish with sweet honey and zesty pepper.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni gluten-free options available
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts can substitute turkey or tofu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can use butter or avocado oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey can substitute with maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust for heat preference
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter can substitute margarine
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour can use gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups milk non-dairy options allowed
  • 1 cup heavy cream can use half-and-half or coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese dairy-free options available
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
For the Garnish
  • to taste chopped parsley optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Directions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and golden.
  3. Reduce heat to low and drizzle honey over the chicken. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Gradually add milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder, then mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce and the honey pepper chicken, mixing well.
  8. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to modify spice levels and add vegetables for health benefits.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!