Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

A comforting blend of creamy mac and cheese topped with sweet, spicy honey-glazed chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni Perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.

Cheese sauce

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Brings robust flavor and creates a luxurious cheese sauce.
1 cup milk Adds creaminess to the cheese sauce.
2 tbsp butter Provides richness to the cheese sauce.

Chicken

1 lb chicken tenders Tender and juicy, forming the hearty protein component.

Glaze

1/4 cup honey Adds delightful sweetness.
1/4 cup hot sauce Adds the desired heat.
1 tsp garlic powder Imparts a fragrant savory note.
Salt and pepper to taste Essential for elevating flavor.

Topping

1/4 cup breadcrumbs Optional for a crispy texture on top.

Method

Cooking Pasta

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk and gradually add shredded cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Fold in cooked macaroni, coating every piece. Season with salt and pepper.

Cooking Chicken

Cook chicken tenders in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.

Making Glaze

Combine honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour this mixture over cooked chicken, tossing to coat.

Serving

Serve mac and cheese in bowls topped with honey pepper chicken. Optional: sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for a few minutes.

Notes

For a gourmet twist, consider using a mix of cheeses. You can also add vegetables for extra nutrition and color, or use pre-cooked chicken for quicker prep.