Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Juicy chicken is glazed with honey and black pepper, then folded into a rich, creamy mac and cheese made with cheddar and Monterey Jack. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cubed)
- 3 tablespoons honey (natural sweetness)
- 1½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (adds peppery bite)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (infuses smoky warmth)
- 3 tablespoons butter (base for creamy roux)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening sauce)
- 2 cups whole milk (creates creamy texture)
- ½ cup heavy cream (boosts richness)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for deep flavor)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (melts into silky goodness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (boosts savory depth)
- Salt to taste (balances flavors)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing chicken)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish, adds color and freshness)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drizzle honey over the cooked chicken and stir in the cracked black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to coat the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5–6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder and salt to taste.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken until well combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken glaze.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Smoked gouda can replace Monterey Jack for a deeper smoky flavor.
- This dish can be baked with breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Macaroni, Comfort Food