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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight served in a bowl

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

A rich baked pasta dish with sweet-spicy honey pepper chicken and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and sauce
  • 8 oz Elbow macaroni A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Used to start the cheese sauce.
  • 2 cups Milk Use whole or 2% milk.
  • 8 oz Cream cheese Soften it first for easy melting.
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Grate it fresh if possible.
For the chicken topping
  • 1 lb Chicken breast Cooked and sliced for the honey pepper topping.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Glazes the chicken for a sweet balance to the pepper.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper Provides heat and aroma.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use plain or panko for more texture.
  • to taste Salt Season the pasta, sauce, and chicken.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside while you make the sauce.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Making the sauce
  1. Reduce heat and add shredded cheddar in batches. Stir until all cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Cooking the chicken
  1. Sear chicken in a hot pan until golden and cooked through.
  2. Drizzle honey and sprinkle black pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
Combining and baking
  1. Mix the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, then arrange the honey-glazed chicken on top.
  3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the surface.
  4. Bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm ingredients like milk and cream cheese to room temperature to prevent lumps. Grate cheese fresh for the best melting results. Toast breadcrumbs for extra crunch and let the casserole sit for five minutes before serving.