Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food twist, look no further than Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Imagine rich and creamy cheese sauce, juicy chicken, just a kiss of honeyed sweetness, and a peppery punch, all tangled up with tender macaroni. Every bite offers layers of flavor—savory, a little sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing weeknight treat, this dish is bound to become a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese so irresistible is how simple, familiar ingredients combine to create something unforgettable. Each component plays a special role, from the melty cheese blend to the golden chicken and that irresistible hint of honey.

• Elbow macaroni (12 oz): The classic shape for catching all that luscious sauce—other short pasta shapes work too if you like a twist!
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Quick-cooking and perfect for soaking up the honey pepper glaze.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and your pasta water so every bite pops.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Builds the backbone of the peppery flavor in every bite.
• Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch lends gentle warmth and deep color to the chicken.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the chicken cook evenly and brown beautifully.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): The key to a rich, silky roux for your cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This thickens the sauce without making it heavy.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Lays a creamy foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds irresistible richness and smoothness.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Brings bold flavor and that signature mac and cheese color.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Ensures melty, stretchy goodness in every forkful.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Salty and nutty, Parmesan rounds out the cheese blend.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): The not-so-secret ingredient for subtle sweetness that balances the savory and peppery notes.
• Cracked black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste): That extra pepper kick is what makes this dish pop.
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh, green, and a lovely finishing touch if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start with a big pot of salted boiling water and cook your elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. You want the noodles to retain a little bite because they’ll finish cooking in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to drain them well, then set aside while you work on the rest of the magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then cook the chicken over medium-high heat. The goal: a golden, slightly crisp exterior and juicy, fully-cooked inside. This step infuses the chicken with seasoning and gets it ready for its starring role in your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute—this forms a simple roux that will thicken your sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking away lumps, until the mixture turns creamy and just thick enough to coat a spoon, about four to five minutes.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, and start stirring in your cheeses: sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Blend them little by little until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and gloriously cheesy. This is where the real comfort begins to build!

Step 5: Sweet & Peppery Finish

Time for the signature twist that transforms this dish: stir in the honey and cracked black pepper. Taste the sauce and add an extra pinch of pepper or salt if you’d like. The touch of honey balances the richness and invites an unexpected complexity that makes Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently fold in the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken, making sure everything is luxuriously coated in that sweet and peppery cheese sauce. Let the mixture simmer softly for two or three minutes so the flavors meld. Keep the heat low and stir gently to avoid breaking up your macaroni. Once it’s piping hot and creamy, you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, scatter chopped parsley over each serving. It’s entirely optional, but those little green flecks make every bowl look extra inviting. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few twists of cracked black pepper right before serving not only look gorgeous but give one more fragrant peppery burst.

Side Dishes

This creamy, satisfying main dish truly shines with simple, crisp side dishes. Try pairing Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with a tangy green salad, roasted broccoli, or even some buttery garlic bread. These sides help balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal, especially when you’re serving guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow a crowd or make dinner feel special? Spoon the mac and cheese into mini ramekins or a cast iron skillet for a rustic table setting. For a fun twist, top each portion with a sprinkle of crispy bacon or fried onions. You can even serve it as a casserole, finished with extra cheese and a quick run under the broiler for a bubbly topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps well! Allow it to cool slightly, then pack portions in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to three days—just note that the sauce will thicken as it rests, so a splash of milk when reheating will restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer cooled mac and cheese into a freezer-safe dish or zip-top bags. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent ice crystals from forming. Label and date—then you’ll have a homemade comfort meal on hand for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, too—cover the bowl and use 50 percent power, stirring halfway so everything heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken makes this much quicker and still so flavorful. Just stir it into the sauce with the macaroni, and you’ll have Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese on the table in no time.

What type Main Course

Use whatever honey you enjoy—mild wildflower or clover honey keeps things subtle, while a darker honey adds a bit more complexity. The touch of sweetness is meant to complement, not overpower, the cheese and pepper flavors.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni and use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten, so you won’t miss out on any of that delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese experience.

Will the sauce thicken as it cools?

It will! The cheese and starch help the sauce set up as it stands. For leftovers, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the original creamy consistency. No one likes a dry mac and cheese, especially with chicken involved!

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

You sure can. Assemble everything up to the point of combining the macaroni, chicken, and sauce. Let it cool, refrigerate, and when ready to serve, bake covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Just add the honey and pepper before baking to keep the flavor bright.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this creamy, peppery, sweet-savory goodness—Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those soul-warming meals meant to be shared and savored. Next time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner or want to treat yourself to something special, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your most-requested dish!

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