Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups milk; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! Craving something cheesy, savory, and with just the right touch of sweetness? This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is your next favorite comfort food—a rich blend of juicy chicken, melty cheeses, and a crave-worthy honey pepper glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts, this dish is as family-friendly as it is drool-worthy. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors combine for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ready in under an hour—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Kid-approved and easy to customize to suit your family's taste buds.
Hearty enough to serve as a main dish but flexible for potlucks and leftovers.
Uses pantry staples—no need for fancy ingredients!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
2 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)
3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
4 cups water
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (garnish)

Directions: How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken, sprinkle with salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden.

Step 2: Glaze with Honey Pepper Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in honey, soy sauce, remaining black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat chicken, cooking for 2 minutes until glazed. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Macaroni

In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened—about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add macaroni and glazed chicken to the cheese sauce. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
Top with green onions and extra black pepper for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in the honey pepper mixture for 30 minutes before cooking (learn more about marinating chicken).
Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal—just warm it with the honey pepper glaze before adding.
If you want an extra crunchy top, broil the assembled dish with breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Variations on Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Style: Add 2 tablespoon buffalo hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze and use blue cheese instead of mozzarella.
Veggie Loaded: Stir in 1 cup each of cooked broccoli and sweet corn for added nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Required Equipment for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Large skillet
Large pot
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Not recommended for freezing as the cheese sauce texture may change.

Serving & Pairings for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
Serve alongside sparkling lemonade or a light white wine for adults.
Top with chopped bacon or scallions for extra flavor and crunch.

Pro Tips for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Toss pasta in a little olive oil after boiling to prevent sticking while you make the sauce.
For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of regular milk (mac and cheese methods).
Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens beautifully (tips on healthy mac & cheese).

FAQ: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?: Yes! Assemble up to one day ahead, keep refrigerated, and reheat gently before serving for best texture.
What's the best pasta shape for this recipe?: Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can substitute rotini, shells, or penne for a fun twist.
Can I use pre-cooked or shredded chicken?: Absolutely—simply coat the pre-cooked chicken with the honey pepper glaze before combining with the pasta and cheese sauce.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese