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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: Easy Dinner Recipe for Families

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy macaroni dish topped with sweet and peppery glazed chicken. Comfort food with a flavorful twist!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat.
  6. In a saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth. Season with salt.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat completely.
  8. Fold the honey pepper chicken into the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey. For a crunchy topping, broil with buttered breadcrumbs for 2–3 minutes before serving.