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To make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup honey - 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - Salt to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a vital role in the dish. The elbow macaroni serves as the base. The chicken adds protein and flavor. The cheeses create a creamy and rich sauce. Honey brings sweetness, while black pepper adds a nice kick. Garlic and onion powders round out the flavors. Butter and flour help make the sauce smooth. Finally, green onions give a fresh touch as a garnish. You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. Check your pantry too; you may already have some on hand. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, let’s make the cheese sauce. Begin by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts and bubbles, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir this mix for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the base for our sauce. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until all the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. In a separate skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or diced. Pour in 1/2 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir everything well. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is hot and coated with the sweet and spicy mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and the honey pepper chicken. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. This step is key to getting full flavor in every bite. If you like a baked mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle some more shredded cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. When serving, spoon the mac and cheese into bowls. For a fresh touch, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. This adds a nice crunch and color to your dish. Enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese! - Ensuring pasta is al dente: Cook the elbow macaroni for about 7-8 minutes. It should be firm. This helps it hold up in the cheese sauce. Remember to drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. - Preventing lumps in cheese sauce: When making the cheese sauce, whisk the milk slowly into the roux. Stir constantly to keep the mixture smooth. If lumps form, keep whisking. A little patience goes a long way for a creamy sauce. - Adjusting sweetness with honey: The honey adds a sweet touch. You can use less honey if you prefer a less sweet dish. Start with 1/4 cup and taste. Add more if you want more sweetness. - Spice levels and seasoning variations: Adjust the black pepper to your taste. For more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve the mac and cheese in rustic bowls. A simple green salad makes a great side. The fresh crunch of the salad balances the creamy dish. You can also add some garlic bread for a hearty meal. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, ensure your macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce. Choose Quality Cheese: Using high-quality sharp cheddar and mozzarella will greatly enhance the flavor of your cheese sauce, making it richer and creamier. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper and honey based on your preference for spiciness and sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment! Baking Tips: If baking, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden top. {{image_4}} You can make this dish meat-free. Simply replace the chicken with your favorite veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Sauté the veggies in a pan until soft. Then, mix them with the cheese sauce and pasta. This gives you a tasty, colorful meal. You can switch up the cheese for a different flavor. Try gouda, pepper jack, or fontina. Each cheese adds a unique taste to the dish. Experiment with a mix of cheeses for extra creaminess. Make sure to adjust the amount based on your preference. For a gluten-free version, swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options now. Just cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Enjoy a delicious meal that fits your diet! To keep your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This prevents moisture build-up, which can make the dish soggy. It stays good for about three to four days in the fridge. Label the container with the date to track freshness. Reheating mac & cheese can be simple. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If using the stovetop, heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir often and add milk as needed to keep it creamy. To freeze your mac & cheese, first let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to reduce freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it using the microwave or stovetop method. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting dish. It blends creamy cheese sauce, sweet honey, and spicy chicken. The dish has a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness. The black pepper adds a warm kick, making each bite flavorful and exciting. Yes, you can prepare Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese ahead of time. Cook and combine all the ingredients as usual. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. To make it spicier, add more black pepper or use crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your taste for an extra kick. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The fresh greens balance the creamy mac and cheese. You could also serve it with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. These sides add texture and flavor to your meal. This blog post covered how to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese. We discussed the key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can add your own flair with variations or spice it up. Remember, cooking should be fun! Experiment with flavors to find what you love. Enjoy your meal, and share it with friends for extra joy!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with sweet honey and spicy pepper chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • to taste salt
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Once melted, add the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it creates a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
  • Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy and luscious.
  • In a separate skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked chicken with honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and the honey pepper chicken. Stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
  • If you prefer a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac & cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  • When ready to serve, spoon the mac & cheese into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and a pop of color.

Notes

Serve in rustic bowls accompanied by a simple green salad for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, honey, mac and cheese, spicy