Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the dish you never knew you needed in your life. Picture this: creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping tender chicken, all drizzled with a hint of honey and a sprinkle of pepper. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you drooling before you’ve even taken your first bite.

Now, if you’re anything like me, macaroni and cheese brings back fond memories of childhood—those carefree days where dinner was just another excuse to indulge in gooey cheese and carbs. This creamy concoction is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering. Trust me; the flavor explosion will leave them begging for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on appetite or crowd size.
• Elbow Macaroni: You can substitute with any pasta shape you love; the key is to cook it al dente.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness; feel free to use half-and-half if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for an extra kick of flavor.
• Honey: A touch of sweet goodness balances the pepper’s heat perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brings depth to the dish; don’t be shy!

For the Spice Blend:

• Garlic Powder: This is essential for that savory depth—fresh garlic works too!
• Onion Powder: A pinch helps enhance overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you work on the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, pat dry the boneless chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet (because who wants more dishes?), reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and stir in honey until well combined. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring constantly until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your drained macaroni into the sauce mixture and mix well for that luxurious coating. Slice your rested chicken and nestle it into this cheesy wonderland.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer everything into bowls or plates—don’t skip this step! Drizzle any remaining sauce over top for that perfect finishing touch that makes every bite sing.

Now you have a bowl of Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that’s not just a meal but an experience! Enjoy every mouthful as you relish in its creamy charm while reminiscing about those carefree childhood days—just maybe without your mom yelling at you for double-dipping!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to golden perfection. While it cooks, boil the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, whip up the creamy sauce right before combining everything for a seamless blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Spice it up with different cheeses or toss in some crispy bacon for that extra crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Sometimes I whip this dish up when friends come over, and their faces light up with joy as they take their first bites—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you will need macaroni pasta, chicken breast, honey, black pepper, cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), milk, butter, flour, and seasonings such as garlic powder and salt. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the dish. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for the best experience.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Preparing Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You will need around 10-15 minutes for prep work, which includes chopping the chicken and measuring out your ingredients. Cooking time usually takes another 15-20 minutes, depending on how brown you want the chicken and how bubbly you prefer your cheese sauce.

Can I make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish up until the baking stage, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve it, simply bake in a preheated oven until heated through and bubbly. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.

What can I serve with Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also consider serving some crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce. For those who enjoy a bit more flavor, a side of garlic bread complements this rich dish beautifully.

Conclusion for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines comfort food with a hint of sweetness from honey and spice from pepper. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its creamy texture and flavorful chicken, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables to customize this dish to your taste! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Print

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food favorite. This dish features tender chicken enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and heavy cream, all beautifully balanced with a hint of honey and freshly cracked black pepper. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this creamy delight promises to be a crowd-pleaser that evokes nostalgic memories while satisfying your taste buds.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown; ensure an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest before slicing.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add heavy cream and honey; stir until combined. Gradually mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine Everything: Add drained macaroni to the sauce and stir well to coat. Slice chicken and nestle it into the pasta.
6. Serve It Up: Plate the dish and drizzle any remaining sauce on top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. - Customize by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of milk.