Description
Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is a rich, indulgent comfort food dish that combines crispy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy—ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Prepare Honey Pepper Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes; set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side.
- Glaze Chicken: Pour honey pepper sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, turning chicken to coat evenly and let sauce thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Combine Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate a generous scoop of the creamy mac and cheese, then top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for a veggie boost.
- For extra kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Swap chicken for crispy tofu or plant-based tenders for a vegetarian version.
