Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Sweet honey and bold black pepper add a unique flavor to the creamy cheese sauce, perfectly complementing tender chicken and pasta. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate pan, cook and dice the chicken if not already prepared.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, honey, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 3: Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked or rotisserie chicken for a deeper flavor without extra effort.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat alongside the sweet honey.
- Try mixing in steamed broccoli or peas for added color and nutrition.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of your favorite cheeses to suit your taste.
Is this dish suitable to freeze?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
PrintCreamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta with a rich cheddar cheese sauce subtly sweetened with honey and spiced with black pepper. This easy-to-make meal is great for weeknight dinners and is sure to please both kids and adults with its creamy texture and balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and dice or shred as desired.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, honey, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce. Gently stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy honey pepper chicken mac & cheese onto plates or bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor in the cheese sauce.
- Adjust honey quantity to your preference for sweetness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Chicken, Honey, Black Pepper, Comfort Food, Cheddar Cheese, Creamy Pasta
