Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese recipe combines creamy cheddar macaroni with crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze. A perfect comfort food dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 oz frozen crispy chicken
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
1. Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Cook the frozen crispy chicken in the oven or air fryer until golden and crunchy.
6. In a small saucepan, warm honey with black pepper and chili flakes until it simmers.
7. Toss hot chicken pieces in the honey pepper glaze until coated evenly.
8. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce, stir to coat well.
9. Top with glazed chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly cracked black pepper for better flavor in the glaze.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Customize the spice level by adjusting chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg