There’s comfort food—and then there’s this. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together everything we love in one warm, bubbling dish. Juicy sautéed chicken tossed in honey and red pepper flakes? Check. A creamy, cheesy sauce loaded with mozzarella and cheddar? Absolutely. Pasta coated in all that goodness and finished under the broiler until golden and bubbling? Yes, please.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving something indulgent and satisfying, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and just plain irresistible.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Bold, Creamy Comfort Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The contrast between the sweet honey glaze and spicy red pepper flakes on the chicken gives this mac a bold personality.
Ultra Creamy Sauce: A mix of milk, heavy cream, mozzarella, and cheddar creates that perfect, gooey cheese pull.
Easy Weeknight Dinner: Despite sounding gourmet, it’s ready in under an hour and uses simple pantry staples.
Family Friendly: You can easily adjust the spice level for picky eaters, and everyone loves mac and cheese.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Add honey and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to evenly coat the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in milk and cream while whisking, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
Stir in garlic powder and onion powder, then add the mozzarella and cheddar. Keep stirring until fully melted and smooth.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Variations

Swap the Protein: Use grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken for a quick twist.
Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli.
Make It Spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or more crushed red pepper flakes.
Bacon It Up: Crumbled bacon on top takes it to the next level.

Storage and Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freeze: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with added milk to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are great for flavor and meltability, but you can also use Monterey Jack, gouda, or gruyere.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or grilled leftovers work great—just toss with honey and pepper flakes.

Is the honey flavor strong?

No, it’s subtle and balances out the spice. You can increase or decrease the amount based on preference.

Can I skip the broil step?

Absolutely. Broiling adds a golden crust but isn’t necessary for flavor.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Melt the cheese over low heat and don’t overcook. Stir constantly and avoid boiling.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it fully, refrigerate, then broil before serving. Add a splash of milk before reheating.

Is it very spicy?

It has a mild kick. Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

What pasta shapes work besides elbow?

Shells, rotini, penne, or cavatappi all work well for holding onto the sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

How many people does this recipe serve?

It makes about 6 hearty servings — perfect for family dinner or meal prep.

Conclusion

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds — and maybe even thirds. It’s sweet, spicy, cheesy, and completely comforting, all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe hits every note. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular on your table.