Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner obsession: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese becomes a showstopper when it’s topped with sweet-and-spicy honey-glazed chicken! This recipe brings together the best of nostalgic comfort food and bold, crowd-pleasing flavor, making it downright irresistible whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing your friends at a game-night gathering.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is how a handful of familiar ingredients come together to make something totally irresistible. Each ingredient has a role to play for creamy sauce, tender pasta, and that signature sweet heat.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic shape that holds just the right amount of cheese in every scoop.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and creates the base for your silky smooth cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps to thicken your sauce, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk (2 cups): Makes the sauce lush and creamy, with just enough richness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For extra body and that irresistible, luxurious texture in every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings bold, tangy flavor and gooey meltability – a must for any mac and cheese.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds a stretchy, melty factor and smooths out the sharpness of cheddar.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Sneaks in savory depth and aroma without overpowering the cheese.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Supplies subtle smokiness and a gentle pop of color.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Balances all the flavors and rounds out the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut bite-sized): The canvas for your sticky-sweet and spicy glaze.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gets the chicken golden and delicious while keeping things juicy inside.
Honey (1/4 cup): The key ingredient for that signature sweet, sticky coating on the chicken.
Freshly cracked black pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings the unmistakable bold pop of pepper that pairs so well with honey.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you like an extra little kick, this is the secret weapon.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herbal sprinkle that brightens up every serving.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta, then set it aside so it’s ready for its cheesy bath. Remember, slightly undercooking the noodles keeps them from getting mushy once mixed into the sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture begins to thicken (around 3–4 minutes). Reduce the heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The result? A sauce so silky you’ll want to dive right in!

Step 3: Sizzle and Glaze the Chicken

In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through. Turn the heat down to medium, then add honey, lots of black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together as the glaze bubbles up and clings to each juicy morsel of chicken—it takes just a minute or two.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

In either your cheese sauce pot or a nice big bowl, fold the cooked macaroni into that dreamy cheese sauce. Give it a good stir so each noodle is thoroughly coated. Arrange your honey pepper chicken over the top, and let some of that sweet-spicy glaze drip into the cheesy pasta below. You’re already close to mac and cheese paradise!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter a handful of fresh parsley over your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a pop of color and herbal brightness. If you’re feeling extra, crack a touch more black pepper on top. Get ready to dig in while it’s hot and bubbling!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and, if you want to double down on the peppery punch, a final crack of black pepper right before serving. For extra color and creamy zing, a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions would also work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This rich and flavorful pasta likes a little company. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or a platter of oven-roasted veggies is perfect for lightening things up. If you’re hosting friends, round out your table with warm garlic bread to mop up every cheesy bite of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to turn this into a showstopping party dish? Try serving the mac and cheese in individual ramekins, topped with a few golden pieces of honey pepper chicken. Or, dish it up family-style in a big skillet set right on the table for that irresistible “come and get it!” feel. Leftovers make an exceptional lunch the next day—and travel well in a thermos for work or school.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, so you can enjoy fuss-free comfort food whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then spoon it into a freezer-safe container. While the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly after freezing, it will still taste fabulous. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, simply slice or shred it, then toss it in the skillet with the honey, black pepper, and (if using) red pepper flakes to glaze before layering it over the mac and cheese. It’s a great time-saver and just as delicious.

What type Main Course

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic for their meltability and flavor balance, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar for some added personality. The key is choosing a cheese that melts smoothly and brings the flavor you love.

How spicy is the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Without the crushed red pepper flakes, it’s mostly peppery rather than hot—kid-friendly with just a cozy warmth. Add the red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce if you like things a little bolder! You’re in full control of the heat level.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check labels on your remaining ingredients and you’re set for a gluten-free dinner everyone will rave about.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely. Prepare the macaroni and cheese and the honey pepper chicken separately, then assemble everything just before serving. It’s easy to reheat the sauce gently and crisp up the chicken in a skillet, so your guests enjoy all the fresh flavors and textures of just-cooked Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

This is comfort food with a twist that everyone gets excited about. If you’re in the mood for something equal parts cozy, bold, and downright delicious, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try soon—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy macaroni topped with sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken – a perfect blend of flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Prepare macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Cook until thickened. Reduce heat, add cheeses, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden. Add honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until chicken is coated.
Combine and serve: Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then top with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits to the mac and cheese before topping with chicken.
You can also swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American