Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Introduction
This isn’t your average mac and cheese. The Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight takes comfort food to a bold new level. Juicy pan-seared chicken glazed with honey and cracked black pepper meets a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta. It’s a dish that hits every note—sweet, spicy, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe blends two of my all-time comfort food favorites: cheesy mac and seared, flavor-packed chicken. It’s got the balance of chicken enchiladas and the creamy richness of Instant Pot lasagna—with a sticky-sweet twist thanks to honey and pepper. Whether for a weeknight treat or weekend indulgence, this dish always hits the spot.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra cracked black pepper
- Drizzle of honey
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine honey, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Coat chicken breasts in the mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
2️⃣ Make the Mac and Cheese
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer gently until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked macaroni.
3️⃣ Combine and Serve
- Gently fold sliced chicken into the cheesy pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley, more black pepper, and a drizzle of honey if desired.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~650 per serving
💡 Tips for Success
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for bold flavor.
- Go smoky: Add a dash of chipotle powder or cayenne for extra depth.
- Make it crispy: Broil with breadcrumbs and cheese for 2–3 minutes.
- Meal prep tip: Make the chicken a day ahead and store separately until ready to mix.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh salad or garlicky greens
- Dorito casserole for crunchy contrast
- A simple side like easy turkey wings
- Game day gatherings with sheet pan quesadillas on the table too
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months (best without chicken mixed in)
- Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop with a splash of milk to rehydrate sauce
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
For more cheesy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing dishes:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
🧾 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is more than comfort food—it’s a bold, sweet-and-savory twist that delivers on flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
💬 Let’s Talk Mac & Cheese
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your creamy creations! Want a printable recipe card or a pin-worthy version for Pinterest? Just let me know—I’ll get it to you in a flash!
