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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe
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The Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner combining tender chicken, cheesy macaroni, and a sweet yet spicy honey and black pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers creamy comfort food with a protein boost, perfect for busy weeknights and family-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 to 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat and stir in butter until melted. Add honey and freshly crushed black pepper, mixing well to combine. Slowly pour in milk and whisk in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed for your desired consistency.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece in that flavorful honey pepper cheese sauce. Allow everything to heat through for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground black pepper: It delivers bolder flavor than pre-ground versions.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly firm macaroni absorbs the sauce better without turning mushy.
  • Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
  • Reserve pasta water: It’s a great trick for smoothing out the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Rest the chicken: Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, quick dinner, family dinner, cheesy chicken pasta, spicy comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-recipe/