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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, sharp cheddar cheese, and macaroni pasta with a unique sweet and spicy twist of honey and freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe boasts rich, creamy textures balanced by the vibrant punch of honey and pepper, offering a gourmet upgrade to classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta

  • 2 cups macaroni pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk (use plant-based milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use dairy-free cheese for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the macaroni pasta in salted water until just al dente. This ensures it holds its texture perfectly when baked or mixed with the sauce later.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder, then sauté in a pan over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Once done, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to mix seamlessly into the dish.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Once thickened, stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth.
  4. Infuse with Honey and Pepper: Stir in honey and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the cheese sauce, creating that signature sweet and spicy flavor that defines this dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and garlic powder if needed.
  5. Combine and Heat Through: Mix the cooked macaroni and diced chicken into the honey pepper cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.
  6. Optional Bake: For an extra touch, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly on top.

Notes

  • Use Freshly Ground Pepper: It’s the key to unlocking the full peppery aroma and flavor in the dish.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta ensures it won’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
  • Balance Sweetness Carefully: Add honey gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the spice.
  • Low and Slow for Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk and heat gently to get a creamy, lump-free sauce.
  • Let it Rest Before Serving: This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-delight/