Description
Indulge in a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta mixed with tender chicken and a hint of sweetness and spice from honey and black pepper. A comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Add cheeses, honey, black pepper, and garlic powder; stir until smooth.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet, sauté cooked chicken in olive oil until warm and slightly crisp.
- Combine Everything: Add chicken and macaroni to the cheese sauce, mix well. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- To bake, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
