Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
A creamy, comforting mac and cheese dish enhanced with tender chicken, a sweet honey glaze, and a spicy black pepper kick for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux and bubbles.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, honey, black pepper, salt, and paprika to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.