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–+ servings

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese, this recipe features tender chicken pieces glazed with honey and pepper, creating a flavor explosion that’s comforting and indulgent.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook until al dente
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use boneless skinless chicken
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a richer sauce
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded You can substitute with other cheeses
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For creaminess
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated Adds a nutty flavor
  • 1/4 cup honey Use high-quality honey
  • 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground Adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing chicken
  • 2 tbsp butter For flavoring garlic
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth to the dish
  • Salt, to taste Enhances overall flavor
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adds color and freshness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the honey and remaining black pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combining
  1. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  2. Fold in the honey pepper chicken and mix well. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley.
  3. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This dish is also great with a variety of cheese combinations.

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