Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and peppery glaze pairs perfectly with a rich, cheesy pasta for a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 12 oz elbow macaroni or shells
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Toss chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss glaze with cooked chicken.
4. Step 4: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Fold in the cooked pasta and glazed chicken. Stir well until fully coated. Heat a minute or two more to meld flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
• Don’t skip the honey pepper glaze—it’s the flavor twist that makes this dish addictive.
• If the sauce thickens too much after combining, thin it with a little extra milk.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Save some extra sauce on the side because the mac and cheese thickens as it sits. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I use other cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan with your favorites or a blend. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best creamy texture.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, pepper-seasoned chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce with rich, cheesy macaroni. This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese by adding a sweet-spicy chicken component, making it a perfect family-friendly meal or potluck favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or shells
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Toss the thinly sliced chicken with black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to evenly coat. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze slightly thickens. Toss the glaze with the cooked chicken slices to coat thoroughly.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and silky. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything: Fold the cooked pasta and glazed chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir well to evenly coat all components with the sauce. Warm everything together for a minute or two to meld the flavors before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce—avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Do not skip the honey pepper glaze as it adds a unique sweet and spicy flavor twist to the dish.
• If the cheese sauce becomes too thick after combining with pasta and chicken, thin it with a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
• If the sauce turns grainy, gently heat over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
• For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts, or slice breasts thinly for quicker searing.
• If the dish tastes too sweet, add additional black pepper or a small dash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal