This creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese mixes sweet honey and sharp black pepper with tender chicken and gooey cheese. It is simple to make and fills the house with a warm, savory smell. If you enjoy sweet-and-spicy chicken dishes, you may also like this similar option: honey lemon and pepper fried chicken wings.
why make this recipe
This recipe is a quick comfort meal. It uses common pantry ingredients and cooks fast. Kids and adults both like the sweet honey and the pepper bite. It makes a full meal in one dish and is great for weeknights or potlucks.
how to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Start with seasoned, browned chicken and make a smooth cheese sauce. Mix the pasta into the sauce, fold in the chicken, and finish with a little extra honey and fresh parsley. For another chicken-and-mac idea, try this BBQ chicken mac and cheese page for inspiration: BBQ chicken mac and cheese.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsp honey, drizzled on top
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions :
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to make a smooth sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the 2 tbsp honey and the freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust pepper or honey if needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated. Gently fold in the cooked chicken.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serve hot in a large bowl or casserole dish. Add a light green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Offer extra black pepper and a small jar of honey so people can add more to taste.
how to store Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Do not overcook the pasta; cook it al dente so it holds up when mixed with sauce.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce. You can use half-and-half for an even creamier result.
- For a crisp top, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes after transferring to a baking dish.
- If you like more pepper heat, add an extra ½ tsp of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For another pasta-poultry idea, see this honey pepper chicken pasta recipe: honey pepper chicken pasta.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a new flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne or chopped jalapeño.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes. Thighs are juicier and work well. Cut them into bite-size pieces and cook until done.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: You can skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash instead.
Q: Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
A: You can, but the sauce will be less creamy. Add a little cream cheese or extra cheese to improve richness.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
A: Whisk the milk in slowly and keep stirring while it heats. This keeps the sauce smooth.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can cook the components, keep them separate in the fridge, and combine and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is simple, tasty, and comforting. For a similar copycat version, you can read a tested recipe at Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. If you want another take on Applebee’s style mac and cheese with honey chicken, see this guide: Applebee’s Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe (Copycat).
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk Use for a richer sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta, cooked and drained Cook pasta al dente.
- 2 tbsp honey, drizzled on top
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to make a smooth sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the 2 tbsp honey and the freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust pepper or honey if needed.
Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated. Gently fold in the cooked chicken.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
