How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Honey: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the honey and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is well coated and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix Chicken and Pasta: Stir the cooked macaroni and honey pepper chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is well coated.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.