Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and a hint of sweetness from honey. This comforting dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich sauce flavored with garlic, pepper, and soy sauce, making it a must-try for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its irresistible flavor profile and easy preparation, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente; drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown (about 6 minutes per side). Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, heavy cream, and black pepper; simmer while mixing in half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and chopped chicken with the sauce; mix well. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg