Description
Honey pepper chicken mac and cheese brings together crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze with ultra-creamy pasta for the ultimate comfort food mashup. The combination hits every salty-sweet craving at once.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
Liquid Components:
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups elbow macaroni in salted water at 212°F for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain water completely and set pasta aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F.
- Add 1 pound diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons honey and sprinkle 1 tablespoon black pepper over the chicken. Toss to coat every piece evenly.
- Transfer cooked macaroni directly into the skillet with seasoned chicken.
- Pour 1 cup milk and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Taste and add salt as needed. Gently fold ingredients to distribute seasoning throughout the dish.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the mac and cheese rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately while the sauce remains creamy and warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken for rotisserie or grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version that keeps the same creamy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar and pepper jack for more depth.
- Let the chicken rest in the honey and pepper mixture for 5 minutes before adding to enhance the seasoning absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg