Description
Creamy mac and cheese topped with sweet and peppery glazed chicken creates the ultimate comfort food dinner. Rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight offers an indulgent, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Glaze Chicken: Drizzle honey over the cooked chicken in the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to create a sweet and peppery glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the mac and cheese and top each serving with honey pepper glazed chicken. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Fresh cracked black pepper imparts the best flavor and aroma.
- For extra richness, add crumbled cooked bacon to the mac and cheese before serving.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk and stir well to maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
