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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese paired with sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the honey. Stir in the remaining black pepper and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the glaze. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until thoroughly coated. Transfer the mac and cheese to a large serving dish, top with the honey pepper chicken, and gently mix to combine.
  7. Serve immediately while still warm, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta to ensure it holds up well when mixed with the cheese sauce and chicken.’, ‘Warm the milk before adding it to the roux for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of black pepper and paprika.’, ‘Grate your own cheese for the best texture in the sauce.’, ‘Let the honey simmer gently to thicken for a flavorful glaze.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-easy-dinners/