If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s comforting, bold, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy, then you’ve hit the jackpot with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This recipe is a flavor-packed twist on the classic mac and cheese we all know and love, with succulent chicken marinated in a honey pepper glaze and tossed in a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds… I won’t judge).
Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken, golden-brown and crispy from being seared to perfection, combined with rich, gooey mac and cheese that’s packed with flavor. The sweetness of the honey, the subtle heat from the pepper, and the sharpness of the cheese create a symphony of flavors that’s guaranteed to satisfy any craving. It’s comfort food, elevated—perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in.
Now, let me tell you: this isn’t just another mac and cheese. It’s a deliciously savory, slightly sweet, and totally addictive dish that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a dinner party with friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe for you? Let’s see. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is…
- Perfectly balanced—a sweet and spicy chicken combo that sings with the creamy, cheesy pasta.
- Rich and indulgent, but with a touch of lightness from the honey and pepper.
- Comfort food with a twist, taking your mac and cheese game to a whole new level.
- Easy to make, but it tastes like something straight out of a restaurant.
- Versatile—serve it as a main dish, a side, or even meal prep for the week!
Quick Tip: For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze before marinating the chicken. It’ll bring that heat you crave!
Ingredients in Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with pantry staples, but the combination creates something really special. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy chicken, the star of this dish, seasoned and glazed to perfection.
Honey: The sweet, sticky glaze that brings a bit of irresistible sweetness to the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat that balances out the honey perfectly.
Pasta: I recommend elbow macaroni, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand!
Cheese Sauce: A rich and creamy blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella that coats every bite of pasta.
Butter: For richness in the cheese sauce, giving it that silky smooth texture.
Cream: To make the cheese sauce extra creamy and luscious.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the honey, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Coat the chicken breasts with this glaze and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to really penetrate the chicken, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is fully coated. Add the sliced chicken on top and stir to combine.
Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle with extra black pepper, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for garnish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and peppery goodness!
How to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Fresh Salads: Pair with a refreshing green salad to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread to scoop up the extra cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus to round out the meal.
As a Standalone Dish: This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed all on its own, but you can also make it a more substantial meal by adding sides.
Presentation Tip: For a cozy touch, serve in individual bowls topped with extra black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
This dish is great on its own but can be served alongside some complementary sides:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: Add a fresh, crisp salad with a vinaigrette for a contrast to the creamy dish.
- Spicy Pickles: Add some spicy or tangy pickles on the side for an extra zing.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time. You can also cook the chicken in advance and reheat when you’re ready to assemble.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the honey glaze for an extra kick of heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free pasta or a dairy-free cream for a modified version of this dish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Double the Batch: This recipe makes great leftovers! Double the batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Tips & Variations / Quick Tips:
- Creamy Cheese Sauce: For a super creamy sauce, you can use half and half instead of cream, or add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Chicken Options: Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for thighs or even rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Add Some Veggies: Stir in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ingredient Swaps
- Chicken: Swap chicken for turkey or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave for a different kind of sweetness.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions for best results.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Assemble everything, but don’t bake it. Freeze before baking, then bake it straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for a larger batch.
Ready for a comforting, indulgent meal? Grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and make yourself a bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. I promise, it’s worth it!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil for garnish
- For the Honey Pepper Sauce
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the chicken strips according to the package instructions, either baking or frying. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
- Cook the Noodles
- Boil the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, adding each cheese one at a time. Add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated. Add crumbled bacon to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish
- Plate the cheesy pasta mixture and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional bacon if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, comforting Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
