Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe! It’s honestly one of my all-time favorites because it combines that classic comfort of mac and cheese with a sweet twist from honey and a kick from black pepper. Picture this: you take a bite and it’s all creamy, cheesy goodness, with tender chicken mixed in. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or when you just need something comforting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it and wanting to make it again and again! It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook later. Once done, drain it and set it aside. You don’t want it turning mushy!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking, just enough to sizzle your chicken!
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Once your chicken is looking golden and delicious, stir in the honey and black pepper. This is where the magic happens—mix it well so every piece of chicken gets coated in that sweet and spicy goodness!
- Now it’s time to add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Gently fold it into the chicken mixture until it’s all combined.
- Pour in the milk and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. This should take just a few minutes, and trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Don’t forget to taste it and season with salt to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Finally, serve it warm, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite of your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy cheese sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Sweet honey balances beautifully with the kick of black pepper.
- Tender chicken adds a hearty touch, making it a complete meal.
- Comfort food at its finest, sure to warm your heart and soul!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese turns out absolutely perfect! First off, when you’re cooking your chicken, don’t rush it—let it get that beautiful golden color. It adds so much flavor! I love using freshly grated cheddar cheese because it melts so much better than pre-shredded; plus, it’s creamier! If you want to elevate the flavor even more, sprinkle in some garlic or onion powder while cooking the chicken. And remember, if you like a little extra heat, feel free to up the amount of black pepper or even toss in some red pepper flakes! Lastly, make sure to taste as you go; adjusting the salt and pepper will make all the difference. You got this!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe! There are so many fun ways to switch things up. For starters, if you want to change the cheese game, try mixing in some pepper jack for a spicy kick or go with a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile. You can also swap out the chicken for some cooked shrimp or even crispy bacon for a smoky twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition! And don’t hesitate to experiment with spices—smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add an exciting layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to let your taste buds lead the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! To store your creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later on! Just make sure it’s sealed tight to maintain that creamy goodness.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. You can pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat; just add a splash of milk to help bring back that creamy texture. Stir until heated through, and there you go—deliciousness back on your plate! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe serves about 4 people, and each serving packs a punch of flavor and satisfaction. Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what’s in your delicious bowl of comfort! Enjoy every creamy bite without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What if I don’t like black pepper?
No worries! If black pepper’s not your thing, you can simply skip it or replace it with a milder spice like white pepper. The honey will still give you that lovely sweetness!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with whatever cheese you love. Gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses can work beautifully in this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free elbow macaroni, this dish can easily be made gluten-free!
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re craving some heat, add in some cayenne pepper or even diced jalapeños when cooking the chicken. It’ll kick up the flavor and heat nicely!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe! It’s such a delightful and comforting dish that I know will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of sweet honey and spicy black pepper is just divine, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Please share your experiences, any tweaks you made, or even your favorite variations! Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so let’s keep the conversation going. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy mac and cheese recipe or this baked mac and cheese recipe!
Print
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe that combines tender chicken with rich cheese sauce and pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in honey and black pepper; mix well.
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet.
- Pour in milk and cheese; stir until cheese is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder.
- Use any cheese of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe
