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Close-up of baked mac and cheese with creamy chicken pieces and pepper seasoning in a bowl.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight – Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food Dinner Recipe

Molly
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight brings together tender chicken, a sweet and spicy honey-pepper glaze, and a velvety cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is high in protein, ultra-satisfying, and easy enough for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Family Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper plus extra to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sear the Chicken
    Heat a skillet with a splash of oil. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add chicken. Season with salt and pepper. When nearly cooked, drizzle honey and add cracked pepper. Sear until caramelized. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Boil the Pasta
    Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
    In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
  • Step 4: Combine
    Stir the pasta and honey pepper chicken into the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
  • Step 5: Serve
    Top with extra cheese or herbs and serve warm. For a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Notes

Secret Tips for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

1. Sear the chicken for extra flavor: Before combining everything, give your honey pepper chicken a quick sear in a skillet. This caramelizes the outside, deepens the savory flavor, and ensures your creamy mac and cheese has rich, meaty bites in every forkful.
2. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt: Skip the pre-shredded stuff! Freshly grated cheddar or a cheddar-mozzarella mix will melt smoother and create that velvety, easy cheesy mac and cheese sauce we’re after.
3. Add cracked black pepper at the end: To keep the pepper flavor bold and bright, stir in freshly cracked pepper just before serving. It adds that subtle kick that makes this dish a true comfort food dinner with a twist.
4. Balance sweetness with tang: If your honey is very sweet, add a splash of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne. This adds complexity to your creamy honey pepper mac and cheese and prevents the sauce from tasting overly sweet.
5. Bake for a golden finish (optional): Want a bubbly top? Pour everything into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. It turns this easy chicken mac and cheese into a show-stopping skillet dinner.
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