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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup honey - 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - Salt to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) To make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese, gather all the ingredients. Each one plays a big role in the dish. The elbow macaroni is the base. It holds the sauce and chicken well. Choose a good brand for the best texture. Next, I use cooked chicken. You can shred or dice it based on your preference. It adds protein and flavor. For the cheesy goodness, I pick sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt nicely and give a rich taste. Milk and butter help make a creamy sauce. They blend well with the cheese for a smooth finish. Honey adds a sweet touch. The black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder give heat and depth. Adjust the pepper to fit your taste. I also use all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce. Finally, some salt enhances all the flavors. Don’t forget the green onions for garnish. They add a pop of color and crunch. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the elbow macaroni. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside. This helps prevent it from getting mushy later. Next, let’s make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir this mixture for one to two minutes. You want to form a smooth paste called a roux. Now, slowly pour in one cup of milk while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take three to five minutes. Finally, lower the heat and mix in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar and one cup of shredded mozzarella. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts, and the sauce becomes creamy. Now, it’s time for the honey pepper chicken. In a separate skillet, add the cooked chicken, half a cup of honey, one teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of onion powder. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about three to four minutes. Stir it often until everything is heated through and well coated with the sweet and spicy sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, creamy cheese sauce, and the honey pepper chicken. Mix everything together well. You want the pasta to be fully coated in the sauce and chicken mixture. This step creates the rich flavor and texture that makes this dish so comforting. If you want a crispy top, you can bake your mac and cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you like, sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden on top. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite. When it's time to serve, portion out the mac and cheese into bowls. For a fresh flavor, garnish each serving with chopped green onions. This adds a nice crunch and brightens up the dish. Enjoy your delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese! To keep your mac & cheese creamy, choose the right cheese. I recommend using sharp cheddar and mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and give a rich flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese. It often has anti-caking agents that can cause clumping. To avoid clumping, stir the cheese into the sauce slowly. Add it one handful at a time, letting it melt fully before adding more. This keeps everything smooth and creamy. Balancing honey and pepper is key for great flavor. Start with half a cup of honey. Taste the mixture and add more if you like it sweeter. For the pepper, start with one teaspoon. You can always add more if you want extra heat. For spice lovers, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. This gives your dish a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, stick to the black pepper. I recommend using cooked chicken for this dish. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. It adds flavor without extra work. You can also use grilled chicken for a smoky taste. Make sure to heat the chicken with the honey and spices. This allows the flavors to blend well. Cook it on medium heat for just a few minutes until warm. This step makes a big difference in flavor! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the cheese sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Use Fresh Cheese: For the best flavor and creaminess, opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often include anti-caking agents. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper and honey based on your spice preference, ensuring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Garnish for Freshness: Adding chopped green onions not only enhances the presentation but also provides a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors of the mac & cheese. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. Substitute chicken with your favorite veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add great flavor and texture. For protein, consider using chickpeas or tofu. They can give you the protein boost you need. Want to kick up the taste? Add a splash of Sriracha or your favorite BBQ sauce. This adds a nice kick and depth. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. This will enhance the flavor profile and make it more exciting. Cheese is the star of mac & cheese. You can switch up the cheese for a new twist. Try gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a unique taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a creamy, gourmet dish. The more varieties you use, the richer the flavor. To keep your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may decline. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the mac & cheese cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, you want to keep the creaminess. Add a splash of milk to the mac & cheese before warming it. This will help restore the smooth texture. Use a microwave or stovetop for reheating. If using the microwave, stir every minute to avoid hot spots. If you want to avoid dryness, cover the dish with a lid or damp paper towel while heating. Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with allergies. Look for options made from rice, corn, or lentils. Cook them according to package directions. You may need to adjust cooking times. Whole wheat may take longer to cook, while gluten-free pasta can be quicker. You can prepare this dish ahead of time easily. Cook the pasta and chicken as usual. Make the cheese sauce and mix everything together. Place it in a baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven. Bake it until it's hot and bubbly. This way, the flavors blend well, and you save time later. Absolutely! You can swap cheeses based on your taste. Try gouda or fontina for a different flavor. Use cream cheese for extra creaminess. If you want a sharper taste, add more cheddar. Keep the ratios similar to avoid changing the sauce's texture. This way, you can customize your mac and cheese to fit your preferences. This dish combines elbow macaroni, chicken, and creamy cheese for a tasty meal. You learned how to make honey pepper chicken to elevate your mac and cheese. I shared tips to keep it creamy and pointed out fun variations to try. You can even adapt it for vegans or those who love spicy dishes! Remember, storing leftovers properly helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy crafting this comforting dish, and don't be afraid to experiment!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with sweet honey and spicy pepper chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 2 honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • to taste salt
  • 1 4 green onions, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously until it forms a paste.
  • Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella, continuing to mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • In a separate skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked chicken, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the cheese sauce, and the honey pepper chicken mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
  • For a baked version, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac & cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • If serving immediately, portion out the mac & cheese into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions for an added crunch and fresh flavor.

Notes

For a baked version, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly.
Keyword chicken, honey, mac and cheese, spicy