Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. Trust me, it’s one of those meals you’ll find yourself going back to over and over again. The crispy honey pepper chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is simply amazing, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

I remember the first time I made this. It was one of those days where I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but I still wanted something that felt like a treat. And guess what? This recipe was born out of that very moment. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor, so I knew I had to share it with all of you!

Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, who doesn’t love mac and cheese, right? It’s a classic. But then, when you add crispy, juicy honey pepper chicken to the mix? That’s next-level comfort food right there.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t take much time to pull together, which is a win for busy nights.
• Full of Flavor: The honey pepper glaze on the chicken is sweet, savory, and just the right amount of kick.
• Family-Friendly: The whole family will love this meal. It’s a perfect balance of creamy mac and cheese and flavorful chicken.

And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients at home, so it’s an easy one to whip up when you want something that tastes special without a lot of effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is simple, but precise measurements make all the difference for the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. I always like to add a pinch of salt to the water. It helps enhance the flavor of the pasta.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Keep the pot handy, we’ll need it for the sauce later.

Make the Honey Pepper Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, let’s get that honey pepper chicken going.

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook faster and get that perfect crispy texture.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook it for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and crispy on the outside. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Add the Honey Pepper Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce

Now, for the creamy mac and cheese sauce.

1. Make a Roux: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for a minute or so. This creates a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
3. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Chicken and Mac and Cheese

Now it’s time to bring everything together!

1. Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until it’s completely coated.
2. Add the Chicken: Gently stir in the honey pepper chicken, making sure it’s well-distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
3. Give it a Taste: Take a quick taste to make sure the seasoning is just right. Add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls, and garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like. The creamy, cheesy pasta and the sweet, savory chicken are a perfect combination.

I love serving this with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It’s filling, comforting, and completely satisfying!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper sauce. It gives the dish a nice spicy kick without overpowering the sweetness.
• Add Veggies: You can toss in some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition to the dish.
• Make It Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and make the mac and cheese sauce ahead of time, then just combine them when you’re ready to eat.

Why This Recipe Works

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s an all-in-one meal that’s both satisfying and quick. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy pasta feels like comfort food, but it’s not too heavy. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with your favorite flavors and ingredients.

The honey pepper chicken adds that perfect sweet and savory twist to the classic mac and cheese, and the creamy sauce is just everything. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a winner. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

So grab your ingredients, whip this up, and enjoy the cozy comfort of this amazing dish. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know how it turns out – I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.