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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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A delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring creamy cheese sauce, honey-glazed chicken, and a hint of black pepper.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the chicken by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  3. Prepare the sauce by reducing the heat to low and pouring the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and honey. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cheese, please! Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mix, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy chicken sauce, mixing until the pasta is well coated.
  6. Now get crunchy! If opting for a crunchy top layer, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top, and drizzle a little olive oil.
  7. Bake to perfection by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and baking the dish for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden.
  8. Serve it up! Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with extra black pepper or honey before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider serving with a side salad and a chilled glass of white wine. Various substitutions can enhance this recipe, such as roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken recipe, creamy pasta, comfort food, honey pepper chicken

Find it online: https://feastora.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/