Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish that balances sweet honey glaze, spicy cracked black pepper, and rich, melted cheeses combined with tender chicken and classic elbow macaroni for an unforgettable cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and juicy
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle honey generously over both sides and sprinkle evenly with cracked black pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water for later, and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook the marinated chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Reduce heat and stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and finish: Add cooked macaroni and sliced chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground for best flavor.
- Cooking the flour and butter before adding milk ensures a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Opt for high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy chicken pasta