Description
Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake combines creamy pasta, cheesy sauce, and tender honey pepper chicken for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the mac and cheese:
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra red pepper flakes and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Add chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in honey and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
4. In saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour. Slowly add warm milk and whisk until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Mix pasta with cheese sauce. Pour into greased baking dish.
7. Top with honey pepper chicken. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
Keywords: honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, spicy baked mac and cheese, sweet and spicy pasta bake, chicken mac and cheese recipe