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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender, succulent chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, all tossed together with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal. The blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses creates a luscious sauce coated perfectly over al dente elbow macaroni, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken and Glaze

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (divided)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Make Honey Pepper Sauce: Stir in the honey and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly to form a glaze.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the honey pepper glaze. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated beautifully. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season lightly with salt to taste.
  7. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the rich cheese mixture.
  8. Incorporate Chicken: Fold the honey pepper glazed chicken into the macaroni and cheese carefully, ensuring an even distribution without breaking up the chicken pieces.
  9. Serve: Transfer the prepared mac and cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  10. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly grated cheeses to ensure smooth melting.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like shells or penne.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain the perfect texture after baking in sauce.
  • If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper glaze for an extra kick.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Macaroni, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Honey Glazed Chicken

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/