Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Bliss at Home

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and bold dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and freshly ground pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly.
  4. In the same pot used for pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add the drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
  8. Fold the honey pepper chicken into the mac and cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Storage: Fridge leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months, reheating as needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!