Creamy 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
Scale
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
