I remember the first time I tried combining mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken. It was a busy Wednesday after my daughter’s soccer practice, and I had leftover black pepper chicken glaze that I’d been experimenting with earlier that week. The sweet heat from that glaze sparked an idea: what if I paired it with creamy mac and cheese?
That experiment turned into this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that balances rich, creamy comfort with bright, peppery sweetness. The honey caramelizes slightly as it coats the chicken, creating little pockets of flavor that cut through the indulgent cheese sauce. I’ve made this at least a dozen times since, tweaking the pepper levels until my family agreed it was just right.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
I’ve learned that freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference in the glaze. Pre-ground pepper loses its punch quickly, so I grind mine right before cooking. For the cheese, I always shred my own from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I recommend block cheese shredded fresh for the smoothest sauce)
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated melts better)
¼ cup honey (a good quality honey adds depth)
2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground (this makes all the difference)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (I mince mine finely for even distribution)
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Having everything prepped before you start makes this recipe flow smoothly. I set out all my ingredients, and it prevents any rushed steps that could lead to overcooked chicken or lumpy sauce.
Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Slightly undercooking prevents mushy pasta when everything gets combined later.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor), melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, as burned garlic turns bitter.
Step 4: Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and coats the back of a spoon. You’ll see it become glossy and thicker. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Remove from heat.
Step 5: In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses while whisking continuously for 3-4 minutes. The sauce should become smooth and coat your whisk evenly. Season with salt to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until every piece is well coated. Fold in the honey pepper chicken, distributing it evenly throughout.
Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Delicious Sides to Serve Alongside
The richness of this dish pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides that provide contrast and balance.
Crisp Garden Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness while adding refreshing crunch and nutrients to your meal. Consider trying a Mediterranean-style approach to your greens for extra flavor.
Roasted Broccoli: Oven-roasted broccoli florets with a slight char bring an earthy note that complements the sweet honey glaze. The texture contrast between tender pasta and crispy vegetables keeps each bite interesting.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread works perfectly for scooping up extra cheese sauce. You could also serve this with cheesy garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon offer a clean, bright counterpoint to the creamy pasta while keeping your plate colorful and nutritionally balanced.
Tangy Coleslaw: A vinegar-based coleslaw provides both crunch and acidity, which helps refresh your palate between bites of the rich mac and cheese. The crisp cabbage adds textural variety too.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent excess condensation that can make the pasta soggy.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream (about 2 tablespoons per serving) to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat for 5-6 minutes. Gentle reheating prevents the cheese sauce from separating or becoming oily.
This dish works well beyond leftovers. Pack it for lunch the next day, bring it to potlucks where it’s always a hit, or prep it ahead for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready quickly. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Shells, penne, or cavatappi work perfectly and hold the cheese sauce beautifully. Just maintain the same 2-cup measurement for consistent results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper glaze or incorporate some cayenne pepper with the black pepper. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your family’s heat tolerance.
Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the honey pepper glaze up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken gently and proceed with making fresh cheese sauce for best results.
Conclusion
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese proves that weeknight dinners can be both comforting and exciting. The balance of sweet honey, bold pepper, and creamy cheese creates a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of familiar comfort food with an elevated twist makes it perfect for any occasion.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
A vibrant blend of savory chicken tossed in honey pepper glaze, enveloped in creamy, cheesy mac and cheese sauce. Perfect comfort food ready in 45 minutes.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the honey and remaining teaspoon of black pepper, and let it simmer until slightly thickened and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously for 3-4 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated.
Add the honey pepper chicken to the macaroni and cheese, folding gently to incorporate the chicken throughout.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For an added crunch, top with crushed crackers or fried onions before serving. You can substitute grilled or crispy fried chicken for a different texture. Adjust the level of honey and pepper based on your sweetness and spice preference. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
a recipe developer, food enthusiast, and busy parent based in Denver, CO. I created Yumnights because I believe that delicious, healthy dinners shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to master.
