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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ 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
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

    • Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until it’s completely coated.
    • Add the Chicken: Gently stir in the honey pepper chicken, making sure it’s well-distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
    • 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.