Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Looking for a dish that’s both comfort food and gourmet? Our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness. This recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese by adding tender, caramelized chicken that’s marinated in a honey-pepper sauce. It’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Marinating Process

1. In a bowl, mix the honey, cracked black pepper, and soy sauce.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Chicken

Techniques for Juicy Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with a pinch of salt.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and caramelized.

Ensuring Perfect Caramelization

To achieve a nice caramelized crust, avoid overcrowding the skillet and let the chicken sear undisturbed for the first few minutes.

Making the Mac and Cheese Sauce

Ingredients for the Cheese Sauce

• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and add the cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Cooking the Pasta

Best Methods for Cooking Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Tips for Perfect Texture

To keep the pasta from becoming too soft, be sure to cook it just until al dente and rinse it with cold water after draining.

Combining the Ingredients

Mixing the Chicken, Sauce, and Pasta

1. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken.
3. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Ensuring Even Coating

Make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is well-covered with the cheese sauce for the best flavor.

Baking the Dish

Preparing for the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. Top with an additional sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired.

Achieving a Crispy Top Layer

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This dish looks great in a rustic baking dish right out of the oven.

Pairing with Side Dishes

Pair this rich dish with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the flavors. A crisp, cold glass of white wine or iced tea makes an excellent accompaniment.

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

Approximately 500 calories per serving.

Macronutrient Breakdown

• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g

Tips and Tricks

How to Customize the Recipe

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to the mix. You can also switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Making It Ahead of Time

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

Incorrect Sauce Consistency

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substituting Ingredients

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute with any cheese that melts well, like Gouda or Swiss.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of sweet honey, spicy pepper, and creamy cheese makes for a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to please any crowd. Give it a try and enjoy a new favorite in your recipe collection!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, you can add more black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
2. Is there a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
3. Can I use a different protein? Absolutely, shrimp, tofu, or even beef can be great substitutes.
4. What can I use instead of honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey.
5. How can I make the sauce richer? Add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness and creaminess.

Yield: 4

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print

Looking for a dish that's both comfort food and gourmet? Our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness. This recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese by adding tender, caramelized chicken that's marinated in a honey-pepper sauce. It’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
• 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• Salt and Pepper
• Basil
• Honey Pepper Sauce:
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Tbs soy sauce, low sodium
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 Tbs vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Cheese Sauce:
• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

• Bake or deep fry chicken strips according to package directions (you can also make your own), set aside.

• Cook pasta according to package directions.

• Meanwhile mix all your Honey Pepper sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.

• To make your cheese sauce melt your butter and cream together in a large pan.

• Once melted add in your cheese one at a time, stirring after each addition then and garlic and stir until incorporated and everything in melted.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Add pasta to pan with sauce and stir to combine, add in your bacon and stir until incorporated.

• Dip each of your chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until coated and set aside.

• When ready to serve, dish up your pasta and top with chicken strips and sprinkle with basil and additional bacon if desired.