Recipes Ideas

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in 35 Minutes

 This quick and easy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken in just 35 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Introduction

Craving a comforting and satisfying dish but short on time? This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers indulgence in just 35 minutes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with sweet and savory honey-coated chicken that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this simple recipe is foolproof and perfect for busy families or anyone in need of a quick but flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in 35 minutes – No waiting, no fuss!
✅ Packed with flavor – The honey pepper chicken is a game-changer.
✅ Customizable – Add in veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste!
✅ Kid-friendly – The combo of cheese and chicken is a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
✅ Comfort food – It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta (5 minutes)

    • Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Season the Chicken (2 minutes)

    • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

  3. Cook the Chicken (7 minutes)

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce (3 minutes)

    • In the same skillet, melt butter and add honey. Stir until the mixture is bubbling, then toss the chicken back into the skillet to coat it with the honey butter. Set aside.

  5. Make the Cheese Sauce (5 minutes)

    • In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Slowly whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce (3 minutes)

    • Add the cooked pasta to the creamy cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

  7. Serve

    • Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per Serving: 710 kcal

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect combination of quick and comforting. The creamy cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy honey-coated chicken, creating a meal that everyone in your family will love.

Enjoy this easy, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!