Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
A sweet and spicy twist on classic comfort food — this creamy mac and cheese is loaded with tender honey-glazed chicken and melty cheddar for the perfect cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35–45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Stovetop, Baked (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Honey
Freshly cracked black pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Salt
Olive oil or butter
For the Mac and Cheese:
Elbow macaroni (or preferred small pasta shape)
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk or half-and-half
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Cream cheese (optional, for richness)
Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
Salt & black pepper
Breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheddar (optional topping)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook macaroni just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked.
Add the Glaze: Lower heat and drizzle in honey. Stir to coat the chicken in a sticky glaze. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheeses and Dijon (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Fold cooked pasta and glazed chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
Optional Bake: Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake or broil until golden and bubbly (5–7 minutes).
Serve: Scoop into bowls and enjoy hot, optionally garnished with more black pepper or herbs.
Notes
Swap chicken for rotisserie, ham, or turkey.
Spice it up with crushed red pepper or cayenne.
Add veggies like peas, broccoli, or roasted peppers.
Use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs if needed.
Use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a cheese twist.
