Description
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with a hint of sweetness and spice. This delightful meal combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese in a luscious sauce, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends while bringing everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by gathering everything needed.
- Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through (7-10 minutes).
- Lower heat and stir in milk, garlic powder, honey, and black pepper; simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy; mix in the cooked macaroni.
- For a crunchy topping (optional), preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle panko on top, and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg