Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

What happens when crispy honey pepper chicken meets a velvety, cheesy macaroni base? Magic. That’s what. This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together the bold flavor of sweet and spicy chicken with the comfort of gooey, creamy pasta — and it’s ready in under an hour.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish

• ✅ Ultra creamy & cheesy

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• ✅ Sweet heat from honey and black pepper

• ✅ Crispy pan-seared chicken

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• ✅ Perfect for feeding a crowd

• ✅ Make-ahead & freezer-friendly

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 1. Prep the Chicken

• Trim and pat the chicken dry. Cut into strips or small chunks for faster cooking.

• In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.

🍳 2. Sear Until Crispy

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken pieces and sear on each side for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep warm.

🍯 3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.

• Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper.

• Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Return the chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.

🍝 4. Boil the Pasta

• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside. (Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.)

🧀 5. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan or the same pasta pot, melt butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until a light roux forms.

• Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth.

• Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.

• Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika, mustard powder, or nutmeg.

🥘 6. Combine & Finish

• Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

• Top with the honey pepper chicken or mix it right in.

• Optional: Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and filling — a meal on its own. But if you’re feeling fancy:

• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

• Pair with garlic bread or roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans.

• Top with fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for a pop of freshness.

🔁 Variations & Add-Ons

Make it your own with some tasty twists:

💥 Spice It Up:

Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the honey sauce for extra heat.

🥓 Bacon Lover?

Crumble crispy bacon into the mac and cheese before serving.

🧄 Garlic Obsessed?

Roast a whole head of garlic and mash it into the cheese sauce.

🍤 Seafood Option:

Substitute chicken with shrimp or even lobster for a luxe twist.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

This makes amazing leftovers!

🧊 To Store:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

🔥 To Reheat:

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

🧠 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the cornstarch in the dredge — it adds extra crispiness to the chicken.

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture — pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents.

• Adjust the black pepper in the honey sauce to your taste. It should be bold but not overpowering.

• If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk.

🥄 Make-Ahead Instructions

To make ahead:

• Cook and coat the chicken, then store separately.

• Make the cheese sauce and pasta, mix, and refrigerate.

• Combine everything just before serving and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving)

Estimated values based on 6 servings:

• Calories: ~780

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 42g

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Sugar: 10g

• Sodium: 640mg

This is comfort food, so it’s indulgent — but every bite is worth it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying the chicken?

Yes! Dredge the chicken, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes or until crispy.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always tone it down or amp it up!

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen chicken?

Yes — just reheat and toss it in the honey pepper sauce before serving over the mac and cheese.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging and roux. The rest is naturally GF.

✨ Final Thoughts

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and rich comfort food — the kind of meal that makes people close their eyes with the first bite. It’s ideal for when you want to impress without a ton of effort or ingredients.