Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Start by cooking the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the honey-pepper sauce. Once the chicken is well-glazed, remove it from the pan and slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Pasta:

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

In the same pot used to cook the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Mac and Cheese:

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, feel free to add a little more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Dish:

Add the sliced honey pepper chicken into the mac and cheese and gently stir to combine. You can also reserve some chicken for topping the mac and cheese when serving if you prefer.

6. Serve & Garnish:

Serve the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of the honey-pepper chicken paired with the rich, creamy cheese sauce make each bite absolutely irresistible.

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Tips for Success:

• Adjust the sweetness and spice: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more honey. For more heat, increase the amount of black pepper or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken. Simply slice it up and add it to the mac and cheese for an easy, no-fuss meal.
• Try different cheeses: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect creamy base for this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
• Make it ahead: If you’re preparing this for a dinner party or family gathering, you can assemble the mac and cheese in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop and top with the honey pepper chicken before serving.

Conclusion:

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and inventive twist on the classic mac and cheese we all know and love. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and the savory, sweet, and spicy flavor of the honey pepper chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this comforting, indulgent dish offers something for everyone—rich flavors, smooth textures, and a satisfying bite. Give it a try, and watch as your taste buds fall in love with this irresistible combination!