Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese enhanced by a sweet hint of honey and the bold spice of cracked black pepper. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy any craving for hearty comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces elbow macaroni

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Flavorings

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)

Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken (grilled or crispy, chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for reheating chicken, optional)

Garnish

Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Make the roux and sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which helps thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the cheeses and seasonings: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce turns creamy. Add garlic powder, honey, and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning as needed for preferred sweetness or spice.
Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
Add the chicken: If the chicken is cold, warm it in a skillet with the olive oil or butter until heated through for extra flavor and texture. Then fold the cooked chicken pieces into the macaroni and cheese gently to integrate without breaking up the chicken.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese into serving bowls. Garnish with additional cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or green onions as desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best effect.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Use crispy chicken strips or grilled chicken for varied texture experiences.
This dish reheats well—add a splash of milk when warming to maintain creaminess.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.