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Delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac topped with fresh herbs and spices

Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

A delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors coats tender chicken and macaroni in a creamy, cheesy sauce, offering a comforting yet exciting meal for the whole family.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lb Chicken breast
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
Mac & Cheese
  • 16 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 3 cups Milk
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp Onion powder
Honey Pepper Sauce
  • 0.25 cup Honey
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

Prepare Chicken
  1. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and dice, setting aside.
Cook Pasta & Make Cheese Sauce
  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large pot, whisk in flour to create a roux, and cook for one minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened, then stir in cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until melted and creamy.
Combine & Finish
  1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper for the sauce.
  2. Add the cooked macaroni and diced chicken to the cheese sauce, mixing well to combine.
  3. Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, drizzle with the honey pepper sauce, and gently fold to distribute.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through, then serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of honey and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of sweetness and spice.