Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines savory chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering satisfaction in every bite. The balance of flavors will delight both kids and adults alike, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish is not only delicious but also adaptable to suit your family’s preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and black pepper; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Lower heat and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and simmer briefly to create a glaze; coat cooked chicken thoroughly before removing from heat.
- In a saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer; whisk in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and then fold in the honey pepper chicken.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg