Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food! With tender, seasoned chicken, rich creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey, it’s a perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. The honey and pepper give it a unique kick, making it an exciting twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

• Extra black pepper (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Afterward, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

   • Drizzle honey and sprinkle black pepper on top of the chicken for that sweet and spicy kick. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

   • Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

   • In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thickened paste). This will help thicken the cheese sauce.

   • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce starts to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).

   • Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

   • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:

   • Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

   • Gently fold in the sliced honey pepper chicken.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon the creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese onto plates or into bowls.

   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if you like it a little spicier.

Tips:

• Make it extra cheesy: Add a little extra cheese (like gouda or fontina) to the sauce for an even richer, cheesier flavor.

• Spicy version: If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Vegetarian version: You can omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach, for a veggie-packed version.

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, sweet, and spicy! It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and will be loved by everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy!