Go Back

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Tender chicken glazed with honey and freshly ground black pepper folded into a creamy three-cheese macaroni sauce. Ready in 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup elbow macaroni cooked al dente and drained
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from block
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • salt to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in honey and black pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and turns glossy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat.
  7. In a separate saucepan over low heat, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan one handful at a time, whisking constantly between each addition until smooth.
  8. Season the cheese sauce with salt to taste. Fold in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.
  9. Add the honey pepper chicken and all its glaze into the macaroni and cheese. Fold gently to combine and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Always shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags to avoid a grainy sauce. Keep heat low when making the cheese sauce and add cheese gradually. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate. Reheat leftovers with a splash of heavy cream or milk to restore creaminess.
QR Code linking back to recipe