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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Your Family Will Love

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic that marries gooey cheese with sweet honey-glazed chicken and a spark of black pepper.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni substitute for gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Chicken
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Turkey or tofu can be alternatives
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup as an alternative
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes adjust for spice tolerance
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter or margarine for dairy-free option
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch/gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Milk or non-dairy milk for lighter options
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or non-dairy alternatives
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese or your favorite varieties
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder or fresh minced onion
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • meat thermometer
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, place in skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Add Honey and Spice: Drizzle honey over the chicken and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until honey is bubbly.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and stir for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
  5. Whisk in Dairy: Gradually add milk and cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Incorporate the Cheeses: Add mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the sauce along with garlic powder and onion powder. Stir until melted.
  7. Combine Everything: Fold in the cooked elbow macaroni and honey pepper chicken, ensuring everything is coated.
  8. Bake and Broil: Preheat oven's broiler. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and broil for about 2-3 minutes until golden.
  9. Serve with Garnish: Allow to cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

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