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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, featuring tender marinated chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine honey and black pepper, stirring until well mixed.
  3. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the honey-pepper mixture over them. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  6. While the chicken marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).
  9. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  10. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated.
  11. In a large baking dish, spread half of the mac and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom.
  12. Layer sliced honey pepper chicken on top of the mac and cheese.
  13. Pour the remaining mac and cheese over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
  14. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.
  15. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  16. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  17. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipes2make.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/