Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich, comforting American classic elevated with tender cooked chicken, a touch of honey, and a peppery kick. This baked casserole features creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan poured over al dente elbow macaroni, then baked until golden and bubbly. The addition of honey and freshly cracked black pepper balances sweet and savory flavors for a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked diced chicken, honey, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese and chicken mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle additional honey over the top before serving to enhance the sweet notes.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or on top before baking for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
