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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Rich, creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combining tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni for a comforting and crave-worthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Pasta

  • 8 ounces macaroni pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix honey and freshly cracked black pepper, then toss the chicken to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the sweet and spicy flavors.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken marinates, boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Sauté the honey pepper-coated chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with garlic powder and salt to taste.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and fold in the cooked macaroni. Gently toss until every piece of pasta is coated with the luscious cheese sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
  6. Serve Immediately: Dish out the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese while piping hot, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked pepper for a stronger and brighter flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm so it holds up when mixed with the sauce.
  • Melt cheese gently and slowly to avoid clumping or grainy texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the cheese sauce if it gets too thick.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper honey pepper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Creamy Macaroni, Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/