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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A comforting, creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy honey pepper chicken. The sweet and spicy glaze pairs perfectly with a rich cheese sauce and tender pasta for an unforgettable dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken breasts 2 large, boneless & skinless
  • Honey 1/4 cup
  • Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
  • Black pepper 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Cayenne pepper optional, 1/4 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon
  • Olive oil for searing
  • Lemon juice 1 tablespoon, optional
  • Macaroni pasta 1 pound or 16 oz
  • Unsalted butter 3 tablespoons
  • Heavy cream 1 cup
  • Whole milk 1 cup
  • Cheddar cheese 2 cups, shredded
  • Mozzarella cheese 1 cup, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated
  • Flour 1 tablespoon
  • Mustard powder optional, 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. Marinate & Cook Chicken
    Mix honey, soy sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (optional) in a bowl to make the glaze. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add mustard powder for extra depth.
  3. Cook the Pasta
    In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Assemble the Dish
    Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into a large serving dish. Top with the crispy honey pepper chicken. Drizzle any remaining honey pepper glaze over the chicken for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier cut.
Swap the cheeses based on preference; smoked gouda or pepper jack are good alternatives.
To make it vegan, substitute tofu for chicken and use plant-based cheese.