Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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This decadent mashup combines tender honey-pepper chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy—this dish is pure indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Sweet & spicy balance – Honey and black pepper create magic
✅ One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor
✅ Restaurant-quality – Feels gourmet but easy to make
✅ Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for family dinners or potlucks

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cubed
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi/shells)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra honey drizzle
  • Chopped parsley or green onions
  • Crumbled bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Honey Pepper Chicken

  1. In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with honey, soy sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 5-6 minutes until caramelized and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Mac and Cheese

  1. Cook pasta al dente (reserve ½ cup pasta water).
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and smoked paprika until melted and creamy.
  5. Toss in cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken.

3. Finish & Serve

  • If needed, loosen sauce with pasta water.
  • Garnish with extra honey, black pepper, and herbs.

Pro Tips

🍯 Spice control: Adjust black pepper to taste—more = spicier!
🧀 Cheesy perfection: Use Gruyère or Gouda for extra depth.
🔥 Extra crispy chicken: Broil for 2-3 minutes before adding to pasta.

Variations

🌶 Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
🍗 BBQ Twist: Swap honey for BBQ sauce + add smoked Gouda.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Toss rotisserie chicken with honey-pepper mix before adding.

How to store leftovers?

Fridge for 3 days (reheat with a splash of milk).

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use GF pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food royalty—creamy, sweet, spicy, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for when you crave something extra special without the hassle!

Warning: Highly addictive—make extra! 🍗🧀🔥

(Tag your creations #HoneyPepperMacMagic!)

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