If you’re craving something rich, creamy, savory, and slightly sweet with a gentle peppery kick, look no further than this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. This dish is the perfect blend of bold flavors and creamy textures, making it a comfort food dream for any time of the year. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, planning a cozy night in, or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about preparing, customizing, and serving this delicious dish. We’ll also address the most common questions people have about this recipe to help you master it with ease.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a rich and indulgent comfort food classic with a gourmet twist. Tender, juicy honey-glazed chicken seasoned with cracked black pepper is paired with perfectly cooked macaroni drenched in a silky, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and peppery flavors that melt in your mouth. It’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your choice of short pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ –1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for added heat
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken strips with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, add honey and more cracked black pepper.
- Stir until chicken is glazed and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Lower heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and a bit of pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Plate the mac and cheese and top with honey pepper chicken strips.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
