Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

why make this recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food.

This recipe adds a mouthwatering combination of sweet honey and spicy black pepper to juicy chicken and creamy cheese sauce.

It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s easy to make, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Print Recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper, letting it simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the pieces with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated.
• Add the honey pepper chicken to the macaroni and cheese, folding gently to incorporate the chicken throughout.
• Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

how to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper, letting it simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the pieces with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated.
8. Add the honey pepper chicken to the macaroni and cheese, folding gently to incorporate the chicken throughout.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
10. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

how to serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese warm.

It makes a wonderful main dish that pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

You can also serve it in bowls for a casual meal or family gathering.

how to store Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store leftovers, place the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container.

Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you want to reheat it, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk if needed to bring back its creamy texture.

tips to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Be sure not to overcook the macaroni; al dente pasta works best in this dish.
• Adjust the amount of honey and black pepper based on your taste preferences.
• For an even creamier texture, add a splash of milk or more cream when reheating leftovers.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.

You can also use other types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicier kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as shells or penne.

2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese and the honey pepper chicken separately a day in advance. Just combine them before serving.

3. Can I freeze Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. To eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.