Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite. This delightful dish features tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from honey, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will make you forget about boring salads!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz macaroni or elbow pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in melted butter until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a separate pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about five minutes).
- 4. Add Cheese & Flavoring: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in honey and black pepper to taste.
- 5. Combine Everything: Chop or shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then mix with pasta in a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over everything and stir gently until combined.
- 6. Serve It Up: Transfer to bowls or plates and drizzle with additional honey if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Incorporate vegetables like sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.