Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a dish that combines comfort and flavor. With its creamy cheese sauce mixed with sweet honey and a hint of black pepper, it’s a unique twist on the traditional mac and cheese. This recipe is perfect for families, a cozy night in, or anytime you want a quick, satisfying meal. It uses everyday ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.

How to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Stir in the honey and black pepper.
5. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and mix until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
9. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
11. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal. It also works well as a side dish, but on its own, it’s delicious and filling.

How to Store Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

• To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Feel free to use any cheese you like; mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack can add different flavors.
• For added nutrition, throw some vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, into the mix.
• Adjust the amount of honey and black pepper according to your taste preference for sweetness and heat.

Variation

You can turn this recipe into a baked version by adding different toppings like crushed red pepper flakes for a kick or fresh herbs for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free macaroni?
Yes! Feel free to substitute traditional macaroni with gluten-free alternatives while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.

2. Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce before mixing in the macaroni.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring creamy cheese sauce, sweet honey, and a hint of black pepper.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• 2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice) Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup honey Adjust according to your taste preference.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust according to your taste preference.
• 2 tablespoons butter
• to taste Salt

Optional Toppings

• as needed breadcrumbs For topping, optional.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the shredded chicken and sauté for a few minutes until heated through.
• Stir in the honey and black pepper.
• Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and mix until well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
• If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

This dish is best served hot. Enjoy on its own or pair it with a side salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Mac and Cheese, Quick Meal