Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

This dish pairs sweet honey and black pepper with creamy cheese and chicken. It is easy, comforting, and cooks fast. You can make a full meal in one pan and the oven. If you like different mac and cheese styles, try this other version for more ideas: Ultimate Tini’s mac and cheese recipe.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight mixes cooked chicken with a rich cheese sauce, a touch of honey, and black pepper. It is warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet. The recipe uses common ingredients and simple steps. It is good for family dinners or a cozy meal.

How to make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Follow these steps to make the dish.

Ingredients :

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Directions :

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked chicken, honey, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
4. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to serve Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Serve hot straight from the oven. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Offer extra black pepper or hot sauce for those who want more spice.

How to store Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Cool the dish to room temperature. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst.

Tips to make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

• Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie to save time.
• Stir the cheese in slowly so the sauce stays smooth.
• Taste before baking and add salt if needed.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.

Sariations

• Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
• Use pepper jack cheese for more heat.
• Mix in cooked peas or broccoli for added vegetables.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta?
Yes. Penne or shells work well. Cook them as the package says.

Can I make this ahead and bake later?
Yes. Assemble and keep covered in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Is it okay to use low-fat milk or cheese?
Yes. The dish will be less rich but still tasty.

Can I freeze the baked dish?
You can freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until hot.

How do I keep the top from burning?
Cover with foil while baking, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to brown the top.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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A deliciously comforting dish that mixes creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of sweetness from honey, topped with a golden crust.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked chicken, honey, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
4. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie to save time. Stir the cheese in slowly for a smooth sauce. Taste before baking and adjust salt as needed.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian