A delicious twist on classic mac and cheese featuring tender chicken in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze.
Author:lunarecipez
Prep Time:15
Cook Time:25
Total Time:40
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and stir until the chicken is well coated with the glaze. Remove the chicken from heat and set it aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well until thoroughly combined.
Gently fold the honey pepper chicken into the macaroni and cheese until evenly distributed.
Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish pairs perfectly with a light green salad or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.