Irresistible Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Posted on April 14, 2025

Easy Recipes

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese that dances with the sweet heat of honey and pepper. With each bite, smooth cheese envelops perfectly cooked pasta while tender chicken adds a delightful heartiness. Chicken Parmesan Pillows recipe This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that warms your soul on chilly evenings or during family gatherings.

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was an impromptu dinner for my friends. Picture me frantically chopping chicken while trying to keep my cat from making off with the pasta. The laughter around the table was infectious, and everyone savored every cheesy bite, making it a night to remember!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
The flavor profile combines creamy cheese with a hint of sweetness and spice for an unforgettable taste
Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers!

Sharing this dish with friends turned into one of our favorite traditions. They still request it whenever they visit!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like shells or rotini.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives great flavor and stretch; look for freshly shredded for optimal melting.
Honey: Opt for raw honey if you can find it for added depth of flavor and health benefits.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances the dish’s spicy notes—don’t skip this step!
Milk or Cream: Use whole milk or heavy cream for that ultra-creamy texture we all crave in mac and cheese.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over saltiness; it’s the secret ingredient in so many comfort dishes. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
Garlic Powder: Adds great flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic; a little goes a long way!
Onion Powder: This adds depth and complements the other flavors beautifully—trust me on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Honey Butter Skillet Corn Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat slightly before adding milk or cream along with honey, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and half of your shredded cheese. Stir until everything melts together into a luscious sauce.

Toss Everything Together: Drain the pasta once cooked and add it directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently fold everything together until well coated.

Add More Cheese!: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over top of your mac and cheese mixture. Cover briefly on low heat until melted—this is where magic happens!

Enjoy serving immediately while it’s hot and bubbling! You can also sprinkle extra black pepper for garnish if you’re feeling fancy.

In under an hour, you’ve created an indulgent dish that everyone will adore! So grab your spoons (and maybe some stretchy pants), because you’re about to dive into this creamy wonderland!

You Must Know

This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is not just comfort food; it’s a hug in a bowl
The harmony of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors makes it unforgettable
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences, making it a family favorite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then cook pasta while preparing the creamy sauce for efficiency and perfect results. For more inspiration, check out this queso chicken tacos recipe.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out regular cheese for smoked gouda or adding sautéed veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure creamy consistency, use full-fat cheese and avoid low-fat options
When cooking pasta, reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce thickness later
For extra flavor, sprinkle freshly cracked pepper on top just before serving

The first time I made this dish, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to take a photo. Their compliments still echo in my kitchen!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other types of cheese in creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese?

Creamy Ricotta Meatballs.

Absolutely! Try using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a kick.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more black pepper or include diced jalapeños in the sauce for an extra punch.

What sides pair well with creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese?

For more inspiration, check out this smoked mac and cheese recipe.

Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal experience.

Tags:

chicken recipe / comfort food / creamy pasta / easy dinner / family meal / honey pepper / macaroni and cheese

Irresistible Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time