Craving something cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying? This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food fusion—combining sweet honey-glazed chicken, a bold pepper kick, and velvety mac and cheese in one irresistible dish.
It’s the kind of dinner that hits all the right notes: savory, slightly sweet, creamy, and just a little spicy. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a baked pasta dish that’s anything but boring.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Optional topping: chopped parsley, parmesan, crushed black pepper
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
- In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, butter, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and stir frequently until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Add chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat. Let simmer on low for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute until it forms a light roux. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat completely. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken and any extra glaze.
Step 6: Optional Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour everything into a greased 9×13″ baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese or crushed black pepper, and bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve
- Top with chopped parsley or parmesan and serve hot.
Variation:
- Spicy Upgrade: Add a diced jalapeño or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie Add-in: Mix in sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or corn.
- Meat Swap: Use crispy bacon or grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the glazed chicken over roasted cauliflower instead of pasta.
COOKING Note:
If baking the final dish, undercook your pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven. You can also skip baking and serve straight from the stovetop!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side salad for freshness and crunch.
- Serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette to scoop up cheesy sauce.
- Top with a drizzle of hot honey for an extra pop of flavor.
- Great for potlucks, parties, or weeknight dinners with leftovers for lunch!
Tips:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded tends to clump.
- Don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese is added—low and slow is key.
- Make the glaze ahead and store in the fridge to save time later.
- For meal prep, divide into containers and store for up to 4 days.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Optional Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sugar: ~9g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Nutritional values vary depending on cheese, chicken, and exact portions.
❓FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze it?
- It’s best fresh, but you can freeze baked leftovers. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
- Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes—the dish will still be flavorful from the honey and cheese.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Absolutely. Just skip the cooking step and toss it in the glaze.
Can I skip baking?
- Yes! This dish is delicious served right from the stovetop—creamy, cheesy, and ready to eat.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is where sweet meets savory, and every bite melts in your mouth. Juicy glazed chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta come together in a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re feeding your family or craving indulgent comfort food, this recipe delivers. Save it, share it, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your most requested dish!