CREAMY HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE RECIPE

🍯🌶️ CREAMY HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE 🌶️🍯
Sweet, spicy, and ultra-comforting – the ultimate twist on classic mac!

✨ WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

✔ Juicy honey-pepper chicken on top of creamy mac
✔ Perfect balance of sweet, spicy & cheesy
✔ One-pot mac & cheese (no roux needed!)
✔ Ready in 30 mins – comfort food FAST

🛒 INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp oil

For the Mac & Cheese:

8 oz elbow pasta
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt to taste

Optional Garnish:

Extra honey drizzle
Chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP

1️⃣ COOK CHICKEN

Toss chicken with honey, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat oil in skillet, cook chicken 5-6 mins until golden. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ ONE-POT MAC

In same pan, add pasta, milk, and broth.
Simmer 12 mins, stirring often, until pasta is al dente.

3️⃣ CHEESY GOODNESS

Reduce heat to low, stir in cheeses, mustard, and onion powder.
Keep stirring until creamy (add splash of milk if too thick).

4️⃣ COMBINE & SERVE

Fold in chicken, reserving some for topping.
Garnish with extra pepper, honey, and parsley.

💡 PRO TIPS

✔ Extra creamy? Use evaporated milk instead of regular.
✔ Kick it up: Add diced jalapeños with the chicken.
✔ Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken (toss with sauce).
✔ Leftovers: Reheat with splash of milk – stays creamy!