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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights

A delightful twist on comfort food, Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines cheesy pasta with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Turkey or tofu can be substituted.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Dairy-free butter can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Cornstarch can be used for gluten-free.
  • 1 cup Milk Almond milk is an alternative.
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream works as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can use Gouda or other melting cheeses.
For Sweetness and Spice
  • ¼ cup Honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Chopped Parsley Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes until cooked through. Drizzle with honey and add red pepper flakes before removing from heat.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and whisk until golden. Gradually stir in milk and cream, cooking until thickened.
  4. Stir in cheeses and seasonings into the sauce until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and add chopped chicken, mixing until well incorporated.
  6. Transfer to a greased baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, whisk continuously while making the sauce to prevent clumping. Keep an eye while broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.

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