Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese
Experience a delightful twist on classic comfort food with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese. This dish combines tender chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy honey-pepper glaze, with creamy macaroni and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this easy-to-make recipe will soon become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and grating the cheese.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for about 7-8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add chicken, season with salt and garlic powder, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in honey and black pepper to coat the chicken evenly.
- Gradually add milk while stirring, then mix in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Fold in cooked pasta and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken in honey and pepper for added flavor before cooking. Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.