Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served atop creamy, cheesy macaroni. This quick and comforting dish packs a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups macaroni, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken in Honey Pepper Sauce: Heat honey and black pepper in a pan over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, allowing the honey and pepper to form a flavorful glaze.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add milk and then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the cheese sauce for the macaroni.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly with the cheddar cheese sauce to ensure every piece is well coated with creamy cheese.
- Serve: Slice the honey pepper glazed chicken breasts and place them atop the mac and cheese, ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more pronounced spicy kick.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
- Leftover mac and cheese pairs well with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a quick broil for a crunchy topping.
