Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Tender, golden chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, then folded into a luxuriously creamy, three-cheese macaroni base. It's a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a touch of heat, creating an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
4 generous servings
Keywords
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and CheeseChicken Mac and CheeseSpicy Mac and CheeseSweet and Savory PastaComfort FoodDinner RecipeEasy Chicken RecipeCheesy PastaFamily MealWeeknight Dinner
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice for a truly unique flavor profile.
- Combines the beloved comfort of mac and cheese with satisfying, tender chicken.
- Ready in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for a delicious weeknight meal.
- Features a rich, creamy, three-cheese sauce that blankets every piece of macaroni.
- Offers a restaurant-quality meal experience right in your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 220g (8 oz) elbow macaroni
- 450g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 110g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 55g (1/2 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 25g (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 60ml (1/4 cup) honey
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) black pepper, freshly ground
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 28g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Overcooking the pasta at this stage can lead to a mushy final dish. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt and half (5ml or 1 teaspoon) of the freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until it is beautifully golden brown on all sides and cooked through, developing a nice caramelized crust. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and translucent, being careful not to let it brown or burn, as this can make it bitter.
- Stir in the honey and the remaining half (5ml or 1 teaspoon) of the black pepper. Allow this mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens into a glossy glaze, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. This simmering process concentrates the flavors and creates a beautiful coating.
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss the chicken thoroughly with the warm honey pepper glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step infuses the chicken with the irresistible sweet and spicy flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- In a separate large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a low, gentle simmer over low heat. It is crucial to maintain a low temperature and avoid boiling the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously and patiently until all the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, luxurious, and lump-free sauce. Season the cheese sauce to taste with salt.
- Add the thoroughly drained, cooked macaroni to the rich cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Ensure every piece of pasta is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce, creating the iconic mac and cheese foundation.
- Carefully add the glazed honey pepper chicken to the macaroni and cheese. Fold gently to incorporate the chicken throughout the dish, distributing the flavorful pieces evenly without overmixing or breaking them up too much.
- Transfer the completed Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to a warm serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of vibrant color and fresh herbaceousness. Serve immediately while hot and savor every comforting bite of this delightful dish!
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for macaroni)
- Large skillet (for chicken and glaze)
- Large saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Whisk
- Spatula or stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Cook your macaroni to al dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn't become mushy when combined with the hot cheese sauce and can absorb more flavor.
- Don't rush the cheese sauce: Gradually adding cheese to gently simmering cream while whisking continuously prevents clumping and results in a silky-smooth sauce. Low heat is key.
- Season in layers: Seasoning the chicken and then the cheese sauce separately builds depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly grated melts much more smoothly.
- Garnish for freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a bright, fresh contrast to the rich and creamy dish.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the honey glaze to enhance the pepper notes without adding excessive heat.
- To achieve a deeper umami in your cheese sauce, you can add a small dash of Dijon mustard or a splash of dry white wine (cook off the alcohol) before adding the cheese.
- Rest the chicken briefly after cooking before adding it to the glaze. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- For a slight textural variation, consider a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
- You can adjust the level of black pepper in the glaze to suit your spice preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, shells, or penne. Just ensure they are cooked al dente according to their package instructions.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper glaze, or use a spicier variety of black pepper. A dash of hot sauce stirred into the final mac and cheese can also elevate the spice level.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the macaroni and prepare the honey pepper chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and then prepare the cheese sauce and combine as instructed for the freshest result.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 680, Protein: 45g, Fat: 38g, Carbs: 45g (per serving, estimated)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free elbow macaroni. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if applicable.
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