Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce enhanced with a touch of honey and freshly cracked black pepper. This recipe balances the savory cheese with a hint of sweetness and spice, creating a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook chicken and pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, honey, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. Heat through for a couple of minutes if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
