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–+ servings

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish featuring tender chicken, a sweet honey glaze, and a hint of pepper for a delightful kick.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk whole milk preferred
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp honey for sweetness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Topping
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs for crunch
  • 1 tbsp butter melted

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cooked chicken. Season with black pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Combine and Bake
  1. Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

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