Get ready to meet your new comfort food obsession: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is pure bliss in a bowl, combining gooey, ultra-creamy mac and cheese with tender, flavor-packed honey pepper chicken. Every forkful bursts with sweet, smoky, and just a hint of spicy notes, thanks to a brilliant mingle of honey, black pepper, and a blend of cheeses. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly night or rallying your family around a bubbling baking dish, this one promises smiles all round.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item pulls its weight, coming together to create that rich, memorable taste and dreamy, creamy texture every mac and cheese deserves.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic shape cradles the sauce in every nook, ensuring each bite is coated.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Delivers richness and is the start of a silky roux for your cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce perfectly to keep things luscious, never runny.
Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and body—don’t skimp here!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melty and gooey, this helps give that irresistible cheese pull.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Packs a tangy punch, balancing the mildness of mozzarella.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Delivers depth and umami, making the sauce unforgettable.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for popping all those comforting flavors.
Honey (2 tablespoons): The backbone of that sweet-savory glaze on the chicken.
Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon, plus more): A must for spicy warmth and that classic mac bite.
Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (2 cups): Rotisserie works great in a pinch—tender, quick, and easy.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps caramelize the honey and warm the chicken just right.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A savory boost that flatters the whole dish.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): For a pop of freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your elbow macaroni. Cook it just until al dente—about 1 to 2 minutes shy of the package instruction—so it stays sturdy when blanketed in cheese sauce. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; a little clingy starch helps the sauce stick.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s bubbling, whisk in the flour to make a roux. This only takes a minute; you’re aiming for pale and foamy, not browned. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking in a steady stream to keep it smooth. Let it bubble gently, stirring often, until thickened—about 4 to 5 minutes. Now, reduce the heat and stir in your mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until everything is melted, creamy, and dreamy. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken

Time to take that cooked chicken and turn it into the showstopper! In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add your chicken and sprinkle on the garlic powder. Drizzle over the honey and freshly ground black pepper, then stir everything together. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting all that sweet-spicy goodness glaze up and caramelize. The aromas at this stage are pure magic!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

Add your cooked macaroni to the silky cheese sauce and stir until every piece is enveloped in creamy bliss. Next, fold in the honey pepper chicken, letting all that flavor swirl and mingle throughout. Give it a final taste and add more black pepper if you love that extra kick.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese while it’s bubbling hot. If you’re a fan of a little something special on top, finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and another dusting of black pepper. Grab a fork and dig in—the reward is all yours!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or even thinly sliced green onions make the creamy golden bowl pop with color and freshness. For a spark of heat, a small scatter of red pepper flakes is fantastic, or simply crank a bit more black pepper on top. Don’t forget a light dusting of extra Parmesan to finish for extra richness.

Side Dishes

Since Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich main course, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances things out beautifully. Steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or garlicky green beans are all perfect companions, adding a fresh and veggie-forward contrast to the velvety pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up for parties or family gatherings by scooping the mac and cheese into small ramekins, topping with buttery breadcrumbs, and baking until golden for individual servings. For a casual spin, serve it family-style from a big skillet right at the table. Or, stuff the mac into bell peppers, bake until bubbly, and wow your guests with something playful and unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get deeper as they hang out, making tomorrow’s lunch a mouthwatering treat. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before sealing.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish if you want to meal prep ahead. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top, and freeze for up to one month. For best results, let the mac and cheese thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating—it keeps everything creamy, not grainy!

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your mac and cheese to a saucepan or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed. Stir gently as it warms. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring between each round for even warming. Avoid boiling; gentle heat keeps the cheese smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, shells, rotini, or cavatappi work just as well and are brilliant at catching that cheesy goodness.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver and adds tons of flavor, but any cooked chicken—grilled, poached, or even leftovers—fits perfectly. Just dice or shred it before tossing in.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the macaroni, cheese sauce, and chicken mixture a day in advance and store separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently, combine, and serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make it spicy?

If you love heat, try adding a generous pinch of red pepper flakes with the chicken or stir some hot sauce into the cheese sauce. Adjust the black pepper to taste for a little extra tingle.

What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have all three?

No worries! You can use a combination of any melting cheeses you like—try Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, or even Swiss. Just keep the balance so you get that melty, creamy texture in your macaroni.

Final Thoughts

From the first creamy, sweet-and-peppery forkful, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese just feels like a warm hug. Trust me, if you’re in need of a crowd-pleaser or something cozy and special, give this recipe a try. It’s comfort food made even more extraordinary, and I promise there won’t be a single bite left behind!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting fusion of honey pepper chicken and creamy mac and cheese in this irresistible dish that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, cook until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken: Heat olive oil, add chicken, garlic powder, honey, and black pepper. Cook until caramelized.
Combine Everything: Stir cooked pasta into cheese sauce, then add the honey pepper chicken. Mix well.
Serve: Top with extra black pepper and parsley.