Go Back

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines ultra-creamy mac and cheese with tender chicken coated in a sweet honey and cracked black pepper glaze. Comfort food with a bold, crave-worthy twist.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6Cuisine: AmericanCourse: Dinner / MainMethod: Stovetop (Optional Bake)Keyword: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Honey Pepper Glaze
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 –1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups milk warm
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter, honey, and cracked black pepper. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy. Toss chicken in glaze and set aside.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  5. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened.
  6. Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season to taste.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  8. Top with honey pepper chicken and serve hot.