Craving something comforting, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful? This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight delivers the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and cheesy. Imagine juicy, seasoned chicken glazed with honey and cracked black pepper, nestled on top of rich, velvety mac and cheese — it’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍯 Sweet and spicy glaze on tender chicken
🧀 Ultra-creamy mac and cheese with bold cheddar flavor
🔥 Cracked black pepper kick balances the sweetness
🍽️ Hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor
🕒 Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekends
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth)
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze the Chicken
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add honey, black pepper, and soy sauce to the pan with the chicken. Stir and simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken, about 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine
Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Spoon into bowls and top with glazed honey pepper chicken. Garnish with more cracked pepper or parsley if desired.
Variations
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor
- Add crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch
- Swap cheddar for a three-cheese blend (like Gouda, mozzarella, and Parmesan)
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or hot honey
Perfect For:
- Cozy weeknight dinners
- Impressing guests with elevated comfort food
- Meal prep (keep chicken and mac separate until reheating)
- When you’re craving something sweet, savory, and cheesy all at once!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight isn’t just a meal — it’s a comfort food experience. It combines the best of all worlds: creamy mac, savory cheese, sweet heat from honey pepper chicken, and a restaurant-quality taste you can enjoy at home. It’s rich, indulgent, and unforgettable.