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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese combines tender chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with creamy macaroni and cheese for a deliciously comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add honey and cracked black pepper to the chicken. Stir well to coat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl or pot, then gently fold in the honey pepper chicken until evenly distributed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

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