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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering. This indulgent dish features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce with a hint of sweetness from honey and a kick from freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Boil water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chicken until golden brown and no longer pink (6-8 minutes).
  4. Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper until melted.
  5. Gently fold in cooked macaroni until coated in sauce.
  6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
  • Author: Stefanie Weber
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach. - Substitute gouda cheese for a unique twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.