Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that perfectly blends sweet and spicy flavors, creating a creamy masterpiece that’s sure to impress. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal that evokes warmth and nostalgia, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. With a delightful aroma of melting cheese and tender chicken, this dish promises to elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chicken and garlic; cook until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
- Create the cheese sauce: Sprinkle flour over cooked chicken; stir well. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cheese and seasonings: Remove from heat; stir in cheddar cheese, honey, salt, and pepper until melted.
- Combine everything: Toss cooked macaroni with the cheesy chicken mixture until well-coated. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg