Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print-Friendly Version)
Golden chicken and creamy macaroni blend with honey and black pepper for a savory, satisfying dish.
# Ingredients List:
→ Pasta
01 -
200 g elbow macaroni
→ Chicken
02 -
450 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Dairy
03 -
240 ml heavy cream
04 -
100 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 -
60 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
06 -
25 g parmesan cheese, grated
→ Sauce and Seasoning
07 -
60 ml honey
08 -
2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
09 -
15 ml olive oil
10 -
30 g butter
11 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
12 -
Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt and half the black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
04 -
Stir honey and remaining black pepper into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
05 -
Return cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
06 -
In a separate large saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt as needed.
07 -
Fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring gently until pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
08 -
Add the honey pepper chicken into the macaroni and cheese, folding gently to distribute chicken throughout.
09 -
Transfer to a serving dish and scatter with freshly chopped parsley.
10 -
Serve immediately while hot.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For added texture, consider topping with crushed crackers or fried onions before serving.
02 -
Grilled or crispy fried chicken can be substituted for a different mouthfeel.
03 -
Adjust honey and black pepper levels to suit desired sweetness and spice.
04 -
Pairs excellently with a crisp green salad.