Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors? This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers perfectly seasoned chicken paired with rich, creamy pasta for an unforgettable comfort food experience.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups milk (whole milk recommended)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools Used to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium saucepan
• Large pot for pasta
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces to the mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

For the Mac and Cheese:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in batches, stirring until completely melted.
7. Add mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
9. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Variations of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
2. Bacon Addition: Stir in crispy bacon bits for added smokiness and texture.
3. Buffalo Style: Replace half the honey with buffalo sauce for a tangy kick.
4. Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed bell peppers for extra nutrition.
5. Breadcrumb Topping: Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs, and broil until golden for a crunchy finish.

Serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Serve this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hot in individual bowls or family-style in a large serving dish. It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad like Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette or Vibrant Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

For a complete meal, add some garlic bread or Perfect Grilled Focaccia Bread on the side. This dish is filling enough to stand alone but versatile enough to be part of a larger spread. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving. The cheese sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so add a splash of milk when reheating.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

How spicy is this dish?

With the recommended amount of cayenne, it has a mild kick that most people enjoy. Adjust the cayenne up or down to suit your preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often provide more flavor and moisture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements for an unforgettable comfort food experience. Try it tonight and watch it become your new family favorite! Don’t forget to share your results with us.

More Recipes to Try!

• Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
• Creamy Bacon Tortellini Recipe
• Hearty Italian Meatball Stew Recipe
• Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake